CM calls it one of the largest counterterrorism actions as forces foil coordinated attacks
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti speaking at a press conference PHOTO: SCREENGRAB/PTV
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said on Sunday that at least 145 terrorists were killed within 40 hours during intelligence-based operations across the province, calling it one of the most extensive counterterrorism campaigns carried out in such a short period.
The remarks came a day after a series of coordinated attacks at multiple locations in Balochistan. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces killed 92 terrorists, while 18 civilians were martyred. The military said that during clearance operations and intense standoffs, “15 brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom.”
The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attacks in a social media post, describing them as the second phase of “Operation Heroof.” The government has designated the BLA and other Baloch groups as “Fitna al Hindustan”, alleging they are acting as proxies of India to destabilise Pakistan through hybrid warfare. Officials say the BLA’s suicide wing, the Majeed Brigade, has developed links with other anti-Pakistan terrorist outfits operating out of Afghanistan.
Security sources also claimed that Indian media outlets and India-linked social media accounts amplified support for Fitna al Hindustan during the attacks, which they described as a coordinated hostile information campaign.
Read: Asif says evidence links India to BLA attacks in Balochistan
Speaking at a press conference, Bugti said intelligence agencies had advance information about the planned assaults, prompting pre-emptive operations a day earlier in areas including north-eastern Quetta, Panjgur and Sherani.
“We had intelligence reports that this was being planned, so we started operations a day before,” he said. “They wanted to carry out similar attacks, particularly in Quetta’s north-eastern areas, which is why no such attack happened there.”
He said forces remained alert in other parts of the province where incidents later occurred and added that more than 5,800 intelligence-based operations were conducted over the 40-hour period.
“So far, we have 145 bodies. We managed to kill 145 terrorists – the highest number in 40 hours,” Bugti said.
The chief minister accused terrorists of deliberately targeting civilians, including women and children. Referring to an incident in Gwadar, he said that at a family labour colony, five women and three children were killed despite pleading for their lives.
He said terrorists also targeted surveillance infrastructure, including Safe City cameras in Quetta, but added that the project had since been improved and expanded.
Bugti said terrorists used children as human shields during attacks in Quetta, creating difficult operational decisions for security forces. “They brought an 11-year-old child with them,” he said. “Should my police kill an 11-year-old? They take children from the streets and use them as human shields. What option do you leave us with?”
Read more: 92 terrorists killed, 15 security personnel martyred as attacks foiled across Balochistan: ISPR
He said no city was taken over and that daily life in most of Quetta continued as normal. “No city was taken over. I was myself moving around Quetta,” he said. “Only one area was affected. The rest of the city remained normal.”
Bugti alleged the attacks were planned from Afghan territory and carried out on the instructions of India, describing the terrorists as an Indian proxy. He said when Pakistan is engaged on foreign fronts, such elements try to destabilise the country.
“We are a responsible state – police and army. We do not want to be lethal,” he said. “But we will not let them go so easily. Our blood is not so cheap.”
He said terrorists attempted to enter sensitive areas and seize key installations but failed. “They thought they would enter the red zone, take over important assets and create a hostage situation,” he said. “Noshki is now completely clear. It took time, but we cleared it.”
According to Bugti, 17 personnel from law enforcement agencies, including police and the Frontier Corps, along with one navy official, were killed in the attacks. At least 31 casualties were reported, with several others injured.
“Do not call them Baloch,” he said. “Baloch are not terrorists. Terrorists are terrorists. They kill Baloch women and then exploit Baloch identity.”
“Sympathy for terrorists is very limited,” he added. “The people of Pakistan are with the state.”
