Pakistan has emerged as the second most affected country in the world by improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in 2024, trailing only behind Lebanon, according to a recent report released by the UK-based NGO Action on Armed Violence (AOAV).
The report reveals that 132 IED attacks in Pakistan this year have resulted in the deaths of 139 civilians and injuries to 485 others. These attacks have mainly targeted public places, including markets, transport hubs, and political gatherings.
Overall, the country witnessed 248 explosive-related incidents, affecting a total of 790 civilians. Among these, attacks attributed to the banned separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) alone were responsible for injuries or deaths of 119 Pakistani civilians.
The AOAV report ranked Pakistan seventh globally in terms of civilian harm caused by explosive violence, considering both IEDs and other explosive weaponry.
The year 2024 has been described as the most dangerous year for civilians globally due to explosive violence. According to the report, more than 24,000 civilians, including women and children, have lost their lives in 9,553 incidents worldwide. The conflict-ravaged region of Gaza was cited as the most heavily impacted area in terms of civilian casualties.
Security experts and human rights organisations have expressed concern over the rising trend of explosive attacks in South Asia, calling for better counter-terrorism strategies, cross-border intelligence sharing, and stronger community engagement to prevent future incidents.
