Police operations across Balochistan result in over 1,600 arrests

WEB DESK: Security forces and police in Balochistan have arrested more than 1,600 individuals in a series of targeted operations conducted across the province over the past several months, with a significant number of suspects linked to terrorism, targeted killings, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, and other serious offences, provincial authorities announced on Sunday.

According to a detailed briefing provided by the Balochistan Home Department and senior police officials, the crackdown which intensified following a surge in militant activities and criminal incidents – resulted in the arrest of 1,627 suspects, including 412 linked to terrorism and militancy, 187 involved in targeted killings, and 319 associated with extortion and kidnapping networks.

Police Recover Weapons, Vehicles in Intelligence-Led Operations

Over 1,200 weapons, including assault rifles, pistols, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), hand grenades, and ammunition, were recovered, along with 428 vehicles and other stolen property used in criminal activities. Operations were carried out across multiple districts, including Quetta, Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Kech, Kharan, Chagai, Nushki, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Killa Abdullah, Pishin, Mastung, Zhob, Sherani, Musakhel, Barkhan, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, and Nasirabad. Balochistan Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rao Sardar Ali Khan described the arrests as a “major blow” to organised crime and terrorist outfits operating in the province, emphasising that the operations were intelligence-based and executed with precision to dismantle networks responsible for destabilising peace and targeting civilians, security personnel, and development projects.

Officials noted that many of the apprehended individuals belong to banned outfits or operated as facilitators for militant groups, including high-profile targets involved in attacks on security forces and infrastructure in Gwadar and Turbat. The crackdown also led to the recovery of substantial quantities of narcotics, counterfeit currency, and communication equipment used to coordinate illegal activities.

The provincial government stated that the operations would continue until law and order is fully restored and criminal elements are brought to justice, urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement by sharing credible information on suspicious activities. The announcement comes amid persistent security challenges in Balochistan, where separatist groups, militant factions, and criminal syndicates have frequently targeted Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects, security installations, and local leaders.