Pakistan’s armed forces have announced that 92 militants were killed in counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan following a series of coordinated attacks across the province on Saturday.
According to the military’s statement, the attacks resulted in the deaths of 15 security personnel and 18 civilians. The army accused India of backing the militant groups, an allegation that New Delhi has consistently denied.
The banned militant organization Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the assaults, stating that dozens of soldiers were killed. However, independent verification of claims from both sides has not been possible.
This latest violence marks one of the deadliest days in Balochistan in recent years, highlighting the ongoing insurgency that has troubled the resource-rich but underdeveloped province for decades.
Military Operations and Security Measures
In an official statement issued late Saturday, the military said militants carried out multiple attacks on civilian and government targets in and around Quetta, the provincial capital, as well as in other cities.
In response, security forces launched large-scale “clearance operations” throughout Balochistan and claimed to have successfully neutralized the militants’ plans.
Authorities sealed several important government buildings and roads in Quetta. Mobile phone networks were temporarily suspended, and train services were halted as a precautionary step to prevent further attacks.
Prime Minister’s Reaction
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their actions and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting terrorism.
“We will continue this war against terrorism until its complete elimination,” he said in a statement following the military operation.
Details of the Attacks
Earlier in the day, heavily armed militants launched assaults in 12 towns and cities across Balochistan. Targets included:
- Police stations
- Paramilitary bases
- Government offices
- Prison facilities
The attacks involved the use of grenades and automatic weapons, creating panic and disruption across the province.
Background of the Conflict
The BLA accuses Pakistan’s federal government of exploiting Balochistan’s mineral wealth without providing adequate development or employment opportunities to local communities.
Human rights groups and local activists have also raised concerns about enforced disappearances, which the Pakistani government denies.
The insurgency dates back to 1948, shortly after Pakistan’s independence, when resistance movements emerged demanding greater autonomy and, in some cases, a separate homeland for the Baloch people.
Strategic and Geographic Importance of Balochistan
Balochistan shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan and has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea, making it strategically important.
Despite covering around 44% of Pakistan’s total land area, the province is home to only about 5% of the population. It is Pakistan’s richest region in terms of natural gas and mineral resources, yet remains the least developed.
The province is primarily inhabited by the Baloch people, followed by the Pashtun community, and has remained at the center of political and security challenges for decades.