QUETTA: Security forces conducted more than 78,000 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Balochistan this year, resulting in the killing of over 700 militants, a senior provincial official said on Sunday, highlighting both gains and continuing challenges in the province’s security situation.
Addressing a press conference alongside Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) chief Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya, Additional Chief Secretary Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat said that despite improved operational strategies, the human cost of militancy remained high. He stated that 202 security personnel and 280 civilians were martyred in various attacks and operations during the year.
Mr Shafqaat said coordinated efforts by security forces and law enforcement agencies had led to a reduction in the overall number of terrorist attacks. However, he noted that militants continued to deliberately target civilians, underlining the evolving nature of the threat.
He described the designation of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade as terrorist organisations as a significant achievement, adding that the government planned to pursue action through Interpol against individuals operating against Pakistan from abroad.
Responding to questions, CTD chief Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya confirmed that, according to information received from the deputy commissioner of Ziarat, the abducted assistant commissioner of Ziarat had been martyred. He said a search operation was currently under way to recover the official’s body, while his young son, who had been abducted along with him, was safely recovered several months earlier.
Mr Shafqaat also disclosed that the CTD had arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of Kharan Station House Officer Muhammad Qasim Baloch. During the press conference, video-recorded confessional statements of the suspects were played. In the footage, the suspects identified themselves as Jahangir Khan, Muhammad Rahim and Niamatullah.
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According to the confessions, the suspects claimed affiliation with the banned BLA and stated that they had been instructed by their area commander to abduct a police officer. They alleged that the SHO resisted the kidnapping attempt and was subsequently killed.
The additional chief secretary said efforts were ongoing to arrest other individuals involved in the murder.
“The designation of the BLA and the Majeed Brigade as terrorist organisations is our major success,” Shafqaat said.https://t.co/0PDB4oY7T4
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The CTD chief further said the federal government had provided an additional Rs10 billion to Balochistan under the National Finance Commission award, which would be used to enhance the capabilities of security forces, including the CTD and police, and to improve infrastructure.
He added that measures were being taken to secure national highways linking Balochistan with other provinces. In response to another query, Mr Goraya said investigations had revealed involvement of elements with links to Afghanistan and India in the recent attack on the Frontier Corps headquarters in Quetta.
