QUETTA: At least 10 terrorists, including several most-wanted militants, were killed during an intelligence-based operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Pishin district of Balochistan, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The operation resulted in injuries to 10 security personnel, who were shifted to medical facilities for treatment.
The details of the operation were shared during a joint press conference addressed by Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind and DIG CTD Balochistan Aetzaz Ahmed Goraya. They said the action was launched after receiving credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants affiliated with banned outfits in the area.
Shahid Rind stated that law enforcement agencies made repeated attempts to persuade the terrorists to surrender peacefully before initiating the operation. “Mediators were sent, and the militants were asked to lay down their arms, but they refused. The state was left with no option but to act,” he said. He added that the terrorists were in contact with proscribed organisations and were involved in multiple acts of terrorism.
During the operation, CTD recovered a large cache of sophisticated weapons, including rocket launchers, submachine guns, and explosive material. Rind said the presence of such advanced weaponry raised serious concerns, adding that at least 13 terrorism-related cases were registered against the militants in Pishin alone.
DIG CTD Aetzaz Ahmed Goraya said several high-profile and wanted militants, including Sanaullah Agha and his brothers, were among those killed. He emphasized that no leniency would be shown to terrorists or their facilitators. “Anyone who stands against the state will be dealt with an iron hand,” he warned, while also urging misguided militants to surrender and rejoin the national mainstream.
The DIG added that the recovered weapons and explosives, some of which were originally meant for mining purposes, would be sent for forensic analysis. He also revealed that the area had been frequented by members of Fitna al-Khawarij (FAH).
Reiterating the government’s resolve, Shahid Rind said Balochistan would not bow to political pressure and that all those involved in spreading terrorism, including facilitators, would be brought to justice.
