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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has endured a devastating year marked by escalating militant violence, with a recent report from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) revealing a significant human cost. The comprehensive report details a staggering 1,588 terrorism-related incidents across the province during the current year, underscoring the severe security challenges faced by the region.
The grim statistics highlight the profound impact on both civilians and security forces. A total of 502 individuals, including both security personnel and ordinary citizens, were martyred. Civilian casualties alone accounted for 223 deaths and 570 injuries.
Security forces bore a heavy burden, with 279 personnel losing their lives in the line of duty. This figure includes 137 police officers martyred and 236 injured, 124 Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel martyred and 244 injured, and 18 members from other law enforcement agencies martyred.
In response to these persistent threats, security forces mounted various counter-terrorism operations throughout the year, successfully neutralizing 348 militants across the province.
The CTD report further broke down the regional impact of the violence:
* **Bannu Region** emerged as the most affected area, recording the highest number of terrorism incidents with 394 cases. The region tragically suffered 54 civilian fatalities and 125 injuries, alongside the martyrdom of 41 police officers and injuries to 89 others.
* **Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan) Region** experienced 152 incidents and notably led in counter-terrorism successes, with 137 militants killed within its jurisdiction.
* **North Waziristan** registered 181 incidents, resulting in 38 civilian deaths and 182 injuries.
* **South Waziristan** saw 103 reported incidents, where 39 civilians were martyred and 86 wounded.
These figures paint a stark picture of the ongoing struggle against militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing the relentless efforts of security forces and the heavy sacrifices made by both military personnel and civilians.
