PANJGUR, Balochistan: Updated details emerged on Tuesday regarding the attempted bank attack by armed militants belonging to the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in the Chatkan area of Panjgur district, Balochistan.
According to police and security officials, the militants attempted to raid a private bank, prompting a swift response from police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel, which led to an intense gun battle.
During the operation, three BLA militants were neutralised, while a search operation continues across Panjgur, Balochistan, to trace remaining suspects who fled and attempted to blend into the local population.
Police confirmed that CTD constable Dara Khan was martyred, while one civilian also lost his life in the attack. Two police personnel sustained injuries and were shifted to hospital.
A police official told AFP that approximately Rs1 million was looted before the attackers fled the scene.
Panjgur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dost Muhammad Bugti said the attackers arrived in four vehicles and attempted to target multiple banks across Panjgur, Balochistan.
“Two attempted bank raids were foiled due to timely police action. Had police not intervened, all five banks in the city could have been looted,” SSP Bugti said.
Reacting to the incident, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti praised the police and CTD for their bravery and professionalism.
“The sacrifices of our security personnel for maintaining law and order in Balochistan will never be forgotten,” the chief minister said, paying tribute to martyred CTD constable Dara Khan.
The chief minister reiterated that there is no space for terrorists in Balochistan, vowing decisive action against anti-state elements.
Security forces have cordoned off the area, and search and clearance operations remain underway across Balochistan’s Panjgur district.
