QUETTA/RAWALPINDI (MNN); Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Quetta Garrison on Saturday and reaffirmed that ensuring peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Balochistan remained a foremost priority of the state.
The visit came amid a recent rise in terrorist activity across the province, including attacks in Pishin and Bhag, as well as major counter terrorism operations conducted in Mastung, Kalat and Sibi during the past week.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir was received by the Quetta Corps Commander and was given a detailed briefing on the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness and measures being taken to maintain peace and stability in Balochistan.
The military’s media wing said the Field Marshal reiterated that the welfare and prosperity of Balochistan’s people remained central to the state’s efforts.
He emphasised that a peaceful and secure environment was essential for accelerating development projects, creating economic opportunities and improving the future prospects of the people of the province.
The briefing also covered institutional coordination and ongoing socio-economic development initiatives in Balochistan.
Field Marshal Munir appreciated the professionalism, operational readiness and commitment of troops deployed in the province.
He stressed the importance of continued coordination between law enforcement agencies and other state institutions to consolidate peace and maintain conditions conducive to sustained economic development.
The Chief of Defence Forces also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s martyrs and commended the troops for their steadfast commitment and dedication to their duties.
Security Operations Continue Across Balochistan
A day earlier, the ISPR announced that security forces had killed 48 terrorists during multiple high-tempo counterterrorism operations conducted across Balochistan over a period of 72 hours.
The operations were carried out in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts against militants described by the state as Indian proxies, Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-al-Khawarij.
Pakistan officially uses the term Fitna-al-Khawarij for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Balochistan-based militant groups have been described as Fitna-al-Hindustan in the context of Pakistan’s allegations regarding India’s involvement in terrorism and destabilisation.
Meanwhile, a coordinated terrorist attack in Bhag was foiled by law enforcement agencies after around 40 militants reportedly targeted a police station, a bank and the office of the assistant commissioner.
According to Balochistan Chief Minister’s aide Shahid Rind, the attackers used heavy weapons, rocket launchers, machine guns, sniper rifles and hand grenades.
Five people, including two policemen, were injured during the attack. However, the militants failed to capture the police station or seize weapons from the facility.
In another incident, TTP militants launched a coordinated attack on the Customs House at Ziarat Cross along the N-50 National Highway in Pishin district on the night between August 31 and September 1.
Security forces responded to the attack and killed 10 militants, according to the ISPR.
Six people, including two security officials, were martyred during the exchange of fire.
Balochistan continued to face the most serious security situation in the country, with terrorist attacks increasing from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.
