Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Quetta Garrison on Saturday, where he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Balochistan.
The visit came amid a rise in terrorist activity across the province, including recent attacks in Pishin and Chagai and major counter-terrorism operations in Mastung, Kalat and Sibi.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir was received by the Quetta Corps Commander. He was given a detailed briefing on the security situation in Balochistan, operational preparedness and measures being taken to maintain peace and stability in the province.
The ISPR said the field marshal stressed that the peace, prosperity and welfare of Balochistan’s people remained central to the state’s efforts. He said a stable and secure environment was essential for development projects, economic opportunities and better prospects for the province’s population.
The discussions also covered institutional coordination and socio-economic development in Balochistan.
Field Marshal Munir praised the professionalism, operational readiness and commitment of the troops. He also emphasised continued coordination among law enforcement agencies and other state institutions to consolidate peace and create conditions for sustained economic activity and development.
He paid tribute to the martyrs and appreciated the troops for their dedication in carrying out their duties.
Security Operations Across Balochistan
The visit followed several major security operations in the province. A day earlier, the ISPR said security forces had killed 48 terrorists during multiple high-tempo counter-terrorism operations conducted across Balochistan over a 72-hour period.
According to the military’s media wing, the operations were carried out in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi against groups it described as Indian proxies, Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-al-Khawarij.
The state uses the term Fitna-al-Khawarij for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Balochistan-based militant groups have been designated Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight what Pakistan alleges is India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation in the country.
The Balochistan government also reported that law enforcement personnel had foiled a coordinated terrorist attack in Bhag targeting a police station, a bank and the assistant commissioner’s office. Two policemen were among five people injured in the attack.
Shahid Rind, the chief minister’s aide for political and media affairs, said around 40 terrorists took part in the assault and used heavy weapons, including rocket launchers, machine guns, sniper rifles and hand grenades.
According to Rind, the attackers failed to capture the Bhag police station or seize weapons from the facility.
Balochistan has witnessed other major attacks in recent days. On the night between August 31 and September 1, TTP militants launched a coordinated attack on the Customs House at Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway in Pishin district.
The ISPR said security forces responded to the attack and killed 10 terrorists. Six people, including two officers, were martyred during the exchange of fire.
The province also recorded a rise in terrorist incidents during August. According to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), Balochistan remained the province most affected by the deteriorating security situation. The number of terrorist attacks increased by seven per cent, from 83 in July to 89 in August.
