Security forces have killed 102 terrorists in Balochistan since July 5, including 16 terrorists eliminated during the last 24 hours, as Operation Shahban continues across the province, according to security sources.
The joint counterterrorism campaign, involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan, and Balochistan Police, is targeting terrorists linked to Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij, with operations focused on remote mountainous areas and suspected terrorist hideouts.
Security sources said seven terrorists were killed in the latest engagements, while nine others were eliminated in earlier operations carried out over the past day. Air and ground forces targeted terrorists hiding in difficult terrain, continuing the operation launched after the deadly Mangi Dam pumping station police post attack.
According to security officials, 64 terrorists have been killed under Operation Shahban alone, while the overall number of terrorists killed in Operation Shahban and other intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Balochistan has reached 102 since July 5.
Officials said the operation will continue until all terrorist networks operating in the province are dismantled.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the Pakistan Army, FC Balochistan, and Police for the successful operations, saying the security forces had thwarted the enemy’s plans. He reiterated that terrorism remains a serious threat and vowed that those responsible for attacks against the state would find no safe haven.
Background
Fitna al Hindustan is a term designated by the Pakistani state for terrorist organisations operating in Balochistan. According to security sources, Operation Shahban was launched on July 5 in Quetta district’s Shahban area following the terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam pumping station police post, in which 27 police personnel were martyred.
Following the attack, Balochistan Chief Minister’s Adviser on Information and Political Affairs Shahid Rind announced that, on the directives of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the provincial government had approved Rs11.1 million in compensation for the families of the martyrs. He said the government had completed all administrative and financial formalities on a fast-track basis and would also bear the educational expenses of the martyrs’ children.
The latest operations come after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership had taken a “mutual and singular decision” to eliminate terrorism following recent attacks in Balochistan. Speaking at the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan meeting in Quetta, attended by Field Marshal Asim Munir, the prime minister reaffirmed the state’s resolve to intensify counterterrorism operations and restore lasting peace across the province.
