As India marks the sixth anniversary of the Balakot airstrikes, Pakistan continues to downplay the number of terrorists killed in the attack and withholds the true extent of its military casualties. This ongoing concealment highlights Pakistan’s attempt to minimize the impact of the airstrike and project a false narrative that nothing significant occurred.
In 2024, Pakistan faced its worst security crisis in over a decade, witnessing a surge in violence. This included 685 security personnel killed amid 444 terror attacks, making 2024 the deadliest year for Pakistan’s civil and military forces in ten years. Official reports revealed 2,546 fatalities linked to violence, with thousands more injured. A majority of these deaths were the result of 1,166 terror attacks, compared to only 257 security operations. Despite these alarming statistics, Pakistan’s military has been grossly underreporting casualties, particularly those within its armed forces, to protect its image and mislead the public.
An investigation reveals that in 2024 alone, Pakistan lost 685 security personnel in terror attacks, with 264 incidents where casualty summaries were deliberately withheld by officials. Attacks on Pakistani soldiers occurred in regions such as Waziristan, Balochistan, and along the borders with Afghanistan and Kashmir. This pattern of concealing military losses has been a long-standing practice for Pakistan, dating back to the Kargil conflict.
In contrast, India’s strong counterterrorism measures, including the Balakot airstrike, have showcased a decisive response to terrorism. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s deteriorating security is attributed to political instability, economic collapse, and inconsistent stances on terrorism. As Pakistan continues to obscure the truth about its military casualties, India remains steadfast in its counterterrorism strategy and border security. The Pakistani Army’s refusal to acknowledge the true toll of its losses undermines the dignity of its soldiers and erodes the credibility of the institution.
