Balochistan: number of militants killed rises to 177 as 22 neutralised last night

WEB DESK: Security forces, supported by intelligence agencies and police, continue large-scale counterterrorism operations across Balochistan targeting militants and facilitators linked to Fitna-ul-Hindustan, according to security sources.

During follow-up operations last night, 22 additional militants were reportedly killed, bringing the total number of militants neutralised in the past three days to at least 177. Authorities said the operations aim to tighten the cordon around militant networks and dismantle their infrastructure across multiple locations in the province.

Security sources added that further losses and casualties among militants and their facilitators have been reported, though detailed figures are still being assessed. The ongoing operations reflect the commitment of law enforcement and security agencies to eliminate militant threats and restore stability in Balochistan.

State will never surrender to terrorism: CM Sarfaraz Bugti

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Sunday reiterated the government’s resolve to continue the fight against terrorism, expressing deep sympathy with the families of those martyred in recent attacks and affirming that the state stands firmly with the heirs of the victims.

Speaking to the media, Bugti said security forces had killed 145 terrorists within 40 hours during intelligence-based operations carried out across different parts of the province. He confirmed that the bodies of all the killed militants are in state custody and praised security agencies for timely action that, he said, prevented several planned attacks.

The chief minister strongly condemned the killing of five women and three children in Gwadar, as well as the martyrdom of between five and ten people in Quetta, calling the loss of innocent lives a tragedy. He stressed that it was the state’s responsibility to care for the children of martyrs, adding that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Bugti said intelligence agencies had advance information about terrorist activities and that operations were conducted with care to minimise civilian casualties and damage to property. He added that militants would not be allowed to seize “even an inch” of Pakistan’s territory.

Highlighting the broader security situation, the chief minister said more than 1,500 terrorists have been killed in operations during the year so far, while clearance operations remain ongoing. He accused hostile forces of fuelling violence in Balochistan, alleging involvement of India and the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan. He also claimed weapons from the Afghan war had flooded local markets.

Rejecting narratives linking terrorism to deprivation, Bugti said the state had never used force against the people of Balochistan and that governance and merit-based employment were improving. Declaring the fight against terrorism a battle between right and wrong, he said Pakistan would never surrender and would continue the struggle for peace and stability.