Pakistan Launches Major Counter-Operation in Balochistan After Deadly Coordinated Assaults
QUETTA, Pakistan – In a significant escalation of force, Pakistani authorities announced on Sunday the killing of at least 145 militants in the southwestern province of Balochistan. This massive counter-operation was launched in direct response to a devastating wave of gun and bomb attacks across multiple districts on Saturday, which left nearly 50 people dead, including 31 civilians.
The assaults, claimed by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), represent one of the most audacious and widespread operations by the separatist group in recent years. Authorities have responded by imposing stringent, months-long security restrictions across the province, banning public gatherings and limiting movement in an effort to prevent further violence.
"Our forces responded with resolve and precision," stated Sarfraz Bugti, Balochistan's chief minister, in a press briefing in Quetta. He identified the casualties as members of "Fitna al-Hindustan," a government term for the BLA, and claimed the two-day death toll was the highest inflicted on militants in decades. Bugti further alleged that some of the slain were Afghan nationals and accused both Afghanistan and India of backing the assailants—claims vehemently denied by both governments.
The weekend's violence unfolded with near-simultaneous strikes on security installations, government buildings, and public spaces in the districts of Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung, and Noshki. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with armed men opening fire indiscriminately and attempting suicide bombings. The aftermath left streets sealed with yellow tape, bullet-riddled buildings, and a pervasive fear among residents.
This latest surge of violence underscores the deep-seated instability in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but poorest province. For decades, ethnic Baloch separatist groups like the BLA have waged an insurgency, demanding greater autonomy and a larger share of the region's rich natural resources. The conflict has increasingly drawn in civilians and foreign workers, particularly Chinese nationals involved in infrastructure projects, complicating Pakistan's security and economic ambitions.
The international community, including the United States which designates the BLA as a terrorist organization, has condemned the initial attacks. However, the scale of Pakistan's retaliatory operation and the accompanying diplomatic accusations are likely to heighten regional tensions further.
Voices & Reaction:
"This is a tragic but necessary response. The state cannot negotiate with groups that target women and children in markets. The pre-emptive intelligence mentioned by the CM shows our security apparatus is learning." – Majid Raza, Security Analyst based in Islamabad.
"145 killed in two days? These aren't numbers, they're human beings. Where is the due process? This heavy-handed approach only fuels the cycle of resentment and violence in Balochistan. The government is treating a political grievance as a mere law-and-order issue." – Anya Khan, Human Rights Advocate, speaking from Karachi. (Emotional/Sharp)
"The immediate focus must be on protecting civilians and de-escalating the situation. The cross-border accusations between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India are a dangerous distraction that benefits no one but the militants." – Professor David Chen, Regional Affairs Scholar.
"As a shopkeeper in Quetta, all I want is peace. We are caught between the militants and the security operations. Every time something like this happens, our businesses shut down for days. The real cost is borne by ordinary people." – Jamil Ahmed, Local Business Owner.