PNN: The number of terrorists killed in follow-up security operations across Balochistan since the morning has risen to 67 as security forces continue actions in response to coordinated attacks carried out overnight, state-owned Radio Pakistan reported on Saturday.
It added that the total number of Fitna al-Hindustan a term the civil and military authorities use for Balochistan terrorists members killed in the last two days had risen to 108 after 41 terrorists were killed in the past two days, adding that 10 personnel of the police and security forceswere also martyred during today’s fighting.
“The number of innocent poor Baloch citizens martyred by Fitna-al-Hindustan terrorists in Gwadar has also increased to 11, including three children,” it quoted security sources as saying, adding that all terrorists involved in the act had been “sent to hell” while further operations were still underway against possible hideouts of terrorist elements in the surrounding areas.
Security sources added that among those killed were five men, three women and 3 children, adding that all of them hailed from Balochistan and had come to Gwadar for hard labour.
“Security sources say there is intense anger among the people of Gwadar against this barbarism of terrorists. The attack on poor Baloch labourers makes it clear that Fitna al-Hindustan is active against the development and prosperity of Balochistan on the behest of India,” the report said.
Security forces have intensified pursuit operations and aerial surveillance in affected areas, according to security sources. Engagements at several locations were still underway, with further details expected as operations continue.
Security sources also alleged that Indian media and social media platforms were openly supporting Fitna al-Hindustan during the attacks, saying this coordination further exposed what they described as a close nexus between the group and hostile information campaigns.
Earlier, officials said coordinated militant attacks were attempted at multiple locations across the province, including Quetta, Noshki, Dalbandin, Kalat, Gwadar, Pasni, Tump and Mastung. Most of the attacks were repelled by security forces and law enforcement agencies.
Authorities said the security situation across Balochistan was being closely monitored and all necessary measures were being taken to protect civilians and restore normalcy.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said in a post on X: “After more than 70 terrorists were killed at different locations in Balochistan over the last two days, terrorists attempted attacks at a few places in the province, which police and the FC foiled through timely action. The pursuit of fleeing terrorists is under way. Further details will be shared soon.”
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the attacks could not “break our resolve against terrorism” and terrorisists would be pursued until the last one was eliminated.
Speaking in an interview on a private media broadcaster, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the attacks reflected the Fitna-al-Hindustan’s “desperation”, adding that security forces remained alert at all locations and were not caught off guard, enabling them to repel what he described as a large-scale assault.
He expressed grief over the martyrdom of Baloch labourers’ families, blaming Balochistan Liberation Army terrorists, and said security forces were pursuing the attackers with aerial surveillance in place. Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was fully apprised of the situation and remained in constant contact with the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, armed attacks, firing and explosions were reported in several parts of the province, including Quetta. Police said gunmen attacked a police mobile unit on Sariab Road in Quetta, killing two police personnel and injuring three others. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital. The police vehicle caught fire after the attack, which was later brought under control by firefighters.
A blast near Hockey Chowk in the Red Zone injured two people, who were also taken to the hospital. Following the incidents, authorities sealed parts of the Red Zone, while activities at the Civil Secretariat, courts and some government offices were temporarily suspended.
Officials said armed men also attacked the Khaliq Shaheed police station in the Eastern Bypass area, with reports of casualties. Videos of an attack on Sheikh Zayed Hospital on the Quetta–Karachi road circulated on social media. Gunmen also targeted private banks in Hazarganji and entered a private school on Zarghoon Road, officials said.
Firing was reported on several major roads, including Sariab Road, Qambrani Road and Zarghoon Road, as security forces exchanged fire with attackers. Security checkpoints were set up at the entry and exit points of Quetta, and residents were advised to avoid unnecessary movement.
Mobile data services were suspended in Quetta, while internet services were temporarily shut in some other parts of Balochistan due to the security situation. Emergency measures were imposed at government hospitals across the province, including Civil Hospital Quetta, BMC Hospital and trauma centres.
Security officials said attempts were made to carry out attacks in Quetta, Noshki, Dalbandin, Kalat, Gwadar, Pasni, Tump and Mastung. Clearance operations were continuing in the affected areas, with reports of several terrorists killed.
In Mastung, Kalat and Pasni, terrorists attempted to target government buildings and security installations. In Mastung, firing and explosions injured several people, including a police officer, while attackers freed more than 30 prisoners from the central jail, officials said. Clashes were also reported near the DC headquarters and police lines in Kalat.
In Noshki, armed men abducted Deputy Commissioner Hussain Hazara along with his family, later releasing a video of the kidnapped official. In Pasni, a Coast Guards post came under attack, which security forces repelled, killing eight terrorists in retaliatory fire, officials said.
Authorities closed the Quetta–Sibi highway at Bolan for all traffic, shut the Quetta–Karachi–Taftan highway at Lak Pass, and blocked the Qila Saifullah–Rakhni road. In Nasirabad, security forces defused explosive material planted on a railway track.
Rind said terrorists attempted attacks at a few locations but were pushed back, adding that the situation was under control. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar visited hospitals and directed authorities to provide immediate and best possible medical care to the injured, urging the public to avoid unnecessary crowding.
Officials said the security situation was being continuously monitored and all necessary steps were being taken to protect the public.
President, PM praise security forces over Balochistan operations
President Asif Ali Zardari praised security forces for what he called effective operations against threats to peace in Balochistan.
In a statement issued by the Presidency’s media wing, the president commended the Pakistan armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their “professional competence” in foiling infiltration attempts by terrorists at multiple locations.
He paid tribute to security personnel and innocent civilians who lost their lives during the operations and offered prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for their families.
“There will be no compromise on peace in Balochistan, the protection of citizens and national unity,” the president said. “The state will continue to act with full strength and unity against externally backed hostile elements and their facilitators.”
Separately, PM Shehbaz also praised security forces for thwarting what he described as organised attacks aimed at destabilising peace in Balochistan, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The prime minister lauded officers and personnel for foiling coordinated attacks at 12 locations, including Quetta, Noshki, Dalbandin, Pasni and Gwadar.
He paid tribute to 10 security personnel who were martyred during the operations, saying they had given their lives while prioritising the defence of the country.
“I, along with the entire nation, am proud of our martyrs,” the prime minister said. He prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for their families.
The prime minister said security forces continued to defend the country without regard for their own lives and vowed to continue the fight until militancy was completely eliminated.
“In this unwavering resolve to protect the homeland, the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan armed forces,” he said.