Pakistan has emerged as the country most impacted by terrorism in the Global Terrorism Index 2026, ending Burkina Faso’s position at the top. The index records a sharp rise in violence in Pakistan in 2025, with 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents, the highest level since 2013. The report marks the growing threat from Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Balochistan Liberation Army, alongside strained regional relations and wider security instability.
Pakistan Tops the Index
Pakistan received a score of 8.57, the highest in the 2026 edition. It is the first time since 2011 that the country has been ranked number one in the index. The rise reflects a renewed surge in militant violence and expanding security challenges across the country.
India’s Position and Regional Trends
India was placed 13th with a score of 6.43. The country recorded more than 142 terror-related incidents, over 100 fatalities, and 118 injuries in 2025. Afghanistan stood at 11th, while Myanmar followed India. African countries dominated the top 10, including Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Syria, Cambodia and Israel were the other Asian countries in the top 10.
Global Terrorism Patterns in 2025
The index covers 163 countries and 99.7 per cent of the world’s population. Globally, deaths from terrorism fell by 28 per cent to 5,582 in 2025, while incidents declined by 22 per cent to 2,944, the lowest since 2007. However, fatalities in the West rose by 280 per cent to 57, driven by antisemitism, Islamophobia and political terrorism.
Key Terror Groups and Emerging Risks
The Islamic State and its affiliates were identified as the deadliest terrorist network in 2026, responsible for just under 17 per cent of attacks worldwide. Recently, IS, JNIM, TTP and al-Shabaab caused 3,869 deaths, or 70 per cent of all terrorism fatalities. The report also warned about youth radicalisation, lone-wolf attacks, and the risk of Iran’s instability worsening terrorism across the MENA region.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026