Victims of terrorism

Pakistan has endured a devastating toll from terrorism over the past quarter-century, with at least 83,000 lives lost between 2001 and 2022. The grim tally has continued to rise in recent years, with several thousand more deaths attributed to escalating terrorist activities, particularly following the Afghan Taliban's ascent to power in Kabul in 2021.

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From 2001, when America’s so-called war on terror began, till 2022, terrorism in Pakistan claimed at least 83,000 lives. From 2022 till the present, several thousand lives have been added to this grim tally, due to the ongoing terrorist activities in the country, which picked up pace after the Afghan Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021.

Terrorist attacks have struck various public spaces across Pakistan, including mosques, churches, bazaars, and schools, impacting the fabric of society. While military operations helped quell an earlier wave of terrorism that intensified from 2007 onwards, the threat persists.

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Cumulatively, over the course of these 25 years, terrorists have struck mosques and churches, bazaars and processions, schools and madressahs.

As the world marks the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, Pakistan faces a renewed call to action. The state is urged to reaffirm its commitment to eradicating violent extremism and to provide continued care and support for the families who have suffered immense loss.

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Therefore, today, as the world observes the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the state must pledge to root out the scourge of violent extremism, and continue to care for the families of the victims.