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By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan's security situation took a dramatic turn for the worse in May 2026, with militant attacks surging by 27 percent and civilian and security forces fatalities nearly doubling compared to the previous month, according to a new report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

The sharp deterioration, driven primarily by escalating violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, reversed two consecutive months of improvement and suggests that militant groups have regained momentum despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.

According to PICSS data released June 1, Pakistan witnessed 128 militant attacks in May, up from 101 in April – a 27 percent increase.

The toll on human life was even steeper:

• 71 civilians were killed (up 92% from 37 in April)

• 68 security forces personnel were killed (up 143% from 28 in April)

• 6 peace committee members were killed

Additionally, 147 civilians, 35 security forces personnel, and three peace committee members were injured during the month.

- Suicide Attacks Surge

One of the most alarming trends highlighted by PICSS was the sharp increase in suicide bombings. Pakistan witnessed six suicide attacks in May – including four vehicle-borne attacks – compared to just one each in March and April.

These six attacks alone killed 34 security forces personnel and nine civilians, underscoring the devastating effectiveness of the tactic.

- Balochistan: The Most Affected Province

Balochistan emerged as the epicenter of militant violence. The province recorded 71 attacks in May, a 109 percent increase from 34 in April.

Perhaps most striking, of the 54 kidnappings reported nationwide during May, 52 occurred in Balochistan alone – highlighting the growing operational reach and confidence of militant groups in the restive province.

Despite the increase in militant activity, Pakistan's security forces intensified counterterrorism operations across the country. According to PICSS records, security forces killed 270 militants and arrested 15 others during May.

The breakdown of militants killed:

• 128 in erstwhile FATA districts

• 62 in mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• 71 in Balochistan

• 1 in Punjab

The broader security picture for the first five months of 2026 remains deeply troubling. PICSS reported 1,904 total fatalities between January and May, including:

• 1,258 militants

• 352 civilians

• 281 security forces personnel

• 13 peace committee members

During the same period, 1,003 people were injured, including 629 civilians, 231 security forces personnel, 133 militants, and 10 peace committee members.