QUETTA: At least 15 suspected militants, identified by the Balochistan government as belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), were killed during a joint clearance operation launched by Pakistani security forces following a deadly terrorist attack in Ziarat, provincial authorities said on Tuesday.
According to the Balochistan government, the large-scale operation was carried out jointly by the Frontier Corps, Balochistan Police, Counter-Terrorism Department, Special Operations Wing (SOW), and the Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF).
Security personnel conducted an extensive search and clearance mission in the affected area to eliminate the attackers and restore security.
Adviser to the Chief Minister on Political and Media Affairs Shahid Rind said the operation concluded successfully after security forces cleared the area of militants. He confirmed that nine Balochistan Police officers and personnel were martyred during the terrorist attack.
Among those who lost their lives were the Station House Officers (SHOs) of Mangi and Kawas police stations, ATF In-charge Head Constable Saifullah, and several other police officials who were performing their duties during the attack.
Shahid Rind also stated that Ghulam Sarwar, along with eight police personnel, managed to safely reach Kach Police Station after navigating difficult mountainous terrain. Meanwhile, Constable Rizwan, who had gone missing during the incident, was successfully recovered unharmed during the operation.
The bodies of the fallen officers are being shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Ziarat to complete legal formalities and post-mortem examinations before being handed over to their families.
Paying tribute to the martyred personnel, Shahid Rind said their sacrifices would never be forgotten and reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to combating terrorism. He stressed that counter-terrorism operations would continue until militant networks are dismantled and the writ of the state is fully restored across Balochistan.
"The state is responding with full force, and the nefarious designs of terrorists have been defeated," he said, adding that Balochistan would never become a safe haven for militants.
He further emphasized that intelligence-based operations will continue with greater effectiveness to ensure lasting peace, while those challenging the authority of the state will be brought to justice.
