Combat-related fatalities across Pakistan rose by 30 percent in February 2026, primarily due to a sharp spike in suicide bombings, according to monthly data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

The Islamabad-based think tank recorded 470 deaths and 333 injuries during the month. Those killed included 96 civilians, 80 security personnel and 294 militants. Among the injured were 259 civilians, 50 members of the security forces and 24 militants.

Compared to January, fatalities among security forces personnel increased by 74 percent, civilian deaths rose by 32 percent, and militant deaths climbed by 21 percent, the report said.

Violence intensified in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and its merged tribal districts (formerly FATA), where 53 security personnel and six civilians were killed. 

 

An additional 35 security personnel and 48 civilians were injured in the province. Three suicide bombings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone killed 17 people  including 14 security personnel  and wounded 20 civilians.

PICSS linked the escalation in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to subsequent cross-border air strikes by Pakistan and ensuing military clashes with Afghanistan.

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) also witnessed a major attack. A suicide bombing in its suburban area killed at least 34 people and injured 165 others. In Punjab’s Bhakkar district, another suicide attack claimed the lives of two police personnel and left four others injured.

The eight suicide bombings recorded in the first two months of 2026 account for nearly half of the 17 incidents reported throughout 2025. The report described the pattern as “a dangerous trend of rising suicide bombings.” 

Security forces also apprehended a would-be suicide attacker during the month.

In contrast, Balochistan experienced a decline in militant activity following the launch of a retaliatory operation, “Raddul Fitna-1,” earlier in February. According to PICSS data, security operations in the province resulted in the deaths of 176 militants.

Cumulatively, PICSS statistics for January and February 2026 indicate 831 combat-related deaths nationwide, comprising 536 militants, 169 civilians and 126 security personnel.