Kalat Terror: Naqvi Labels Balochistan Supporters as Terrorists

News Desk

Islamabad: The funeral prayers for the Levies and Police personnel martyred by unknown armed men last night were held at RTC Kalat.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kalat, Bilal Shabir, SSP Kalat Dostin Dashti, Commandant Kalat Scouts at Khuzdar Col Hafiz Kashif, Wing Commander FC Col Umar Farooq, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Dost Mohammad Langov, Director Operation Balochistan Levies Force Dr Mirwias, Assistant Commissioner Aftab Ahmed Lasi, Principal RTC Kalat Sikandar Khan Khajak, QRF Major Ghulam Murtaza Ummrani, DSP Manzoor Ahmad, DSP Abdul Rahim, DSP Zubair Ahmad, along with senior officials from the Levies and Police forces, political and tribal leaders, and members of the general public.

During the service, Levies and Police forces paid tribute to the martyrs, offering prayers for the elevation of their ranks in the afterlife.

An official source confirmed that a police sub-inspector, four Levies officials, and five civilians were killed in the attack.

 The martyrs included Sub-Inspector Hazoor Bakhsh of the Balochistan Police, Levies personnel Ali Akber, Ihsanullah, Rehmatullah, and Naseebullah, as well as civilians identified as Malik Zabar Khan, Hamza, and Shahbaz. Two other civilians who lost their lives in the Kalat incident remain unidentified.

No Mercy for Terrorists

Federal Minister for Interior Affairs, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, announced a strict stance against terrorism, declaring that anyone supporting attacks in Balochistan would be considered a terrorist. 

Speaking at a press conference held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi emphasized the government’s commitment to counterterrorism, stating that the entire leadership has agreed on a strong response to terrorists.

The interior minister revealed that ongoing discussions with Balochistan’s political leadership aim to secure their cooperation in combating terrorism. He paid tribute to the 14 soldiers who were martyred in recent operations, while 21 terrorists were eliminated.

He further stated that the term “angry Balochs” would no longer be used to describe terrorists, signaling a zero-tolerance policy.

The minister highlighted the success of security forces in thwarting the broader ambitions of terrorists, assuring that the government is fully prepared to respond to any further attacks in Balochistan.

He attributed the involvement of foreign forces in attempts to destabilize the region and detailed a recent incident in which the Assistant Commissioner of Kalat was targeted but remained unharmed.

Naqvi Blames TTP

Naqvi identified the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as responsible for the recent wave of terrorism, noting that some of those involved had previously been released.

He mentioned that Punjab and Sindh provinces are working together to clear the Kacha area of bandits. The minister also noted his close contact with the Chief Minister of Balochistan as they formulate a comprehensive plan to address the current wave of terrorism.

According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 14 security personnel were martyred during clearance operations against terrorists in Balochistan.

The ISPR reported that, on the night between August 25-26, terrorists attempted numerous heinous activities in Balochistan, targeting civilians, particularly in Musa Khel, Kalat, and Labela districts.

The statement highlighted that these acts of terrorism were conducted at the behest of hostile forces aiming to disrupt the peace and development of Balochistan.

The ISPR further detailed how security forces and law enforcement agencies successfully thwarted the terrorists’ plans, eliminating 21 terrorists during clearance operations.

Despite the success, 14 security personnel, including ten soldiers and four law enforcement personnel, were martyred. Sanitization operations are ongoing, with a commitment to bringing the instigators, perpetrators, facilitators, and abettors to justice.

Balochistan’s Rising Militancy

Balochistan has seen a significant increase in militant attacks, with at least 37 people martyred in various incidents. 

In one attack, armed men stopped buses in the Rara Sham area of Musakhel district, killing 23 passengers. In Kalat, 10 people, including law enforcement personnel, were martyred in a gun attack. Additionally, militants blew up a railway bridge in Bolan district, where six bodies were discovered.

Balochistan, despite its abundant natural resources, remains Pakistan’s poorest province, lagging in education, employment, and economic development. The province has experienced a surge in militant attacks, especially since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. 

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported 170 militant attacks in Balochistan last year, resulting in 151 civilian and 114 security personnel deaths.

PM, President Mourn

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday expressed deep grief and condemnation over the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, as conveyed in separate  statements issued by his office on Monday.

In his message, President Zardari also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of innocent citizens who lost their lives in various incidents across the province. He condemned the terrorists, labeling them as enemies of humanity and progress, and vowed that they would be brought to justice,

The president affirmed the nation’s solidarity with the brave security forces and law enforcement agencies. He emphasized that, with the support of the entire nation, the malicious intentions of terrorist elements would be thwarted.