Security forces in Balochistan have killed at least 102 terrorists since July 5, with 64 of them eliminated during Operation Shaban, as ground and aerial operations entered their seventh day on Saturday, according to security sources.
Operation Shaban Updates
In the latest phase of Operation Shaban, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan, and Balochistan Police killed seven more terrorists, raising the operation's total to 64. Earlier on Saturday, security sources reported nine terrorists killed, increasing the total to 52, with subsequent operations eliminating another five, bringing the figure to 57.
In a separate intelligence-based operation near the N-25 crossing, forces killed two Fitna al-Hindustan (BLA) terrorists and recovered weapons, hand grenades, a motorcycle, mobile phones, banned outfit flags, and other materials, security sources said.
Terrorist Groups Targeted
According to security sources, 102 terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan have been killed in Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations conducted across Balochistan since July 5. Pakistani authorities use the term “Fitna al-Khawarij” to refer to the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), invoking a historical Islamic reference to underscore the group’s attacks on civilians, security forces, and state institutions. The term “Fitna al Hindustan” is officially used for the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which Islamabad says is receiving external backing to carry out attacks aimed at destabilizing the country.
Background of the Operation
Operation Shaban was launched following the terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam police station in Ziarat district and forms part of a broader counterterrorism campaign underway across Balochistan after coordinated attacks targeted civilians, police personnel, and security forces at multiple locations in the province. Security sources said ground and aerial operations remain underway in Balochistan’s rugged mountainous terrain and will continue until all terrorists are eliminated.
Government Response
In a statement issued on Saturday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan, and police for the progress of Operation Shaban. “Our brave forces have crushed the enemy’s nefarious designs,” he said, adding that the sacrifices and achievements of the security forces for peace in Balochistan “will remain a golden chapter in history.” Naqvi said the complete eradication of terrorism remained a national priority and that “enemies of peace will find no place to hide anywhere.”
Separately, the Balochistan government announced compensation and welfare measures for families of police personnel martyred in the terrorist attack in Ziarat. According to official orders issued by the Inspector General of Police, Balochistan, and a statement by provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind, compensation release orders have been issued for the families of four martyred police personnel. The orders approve Rs10 million in cash compensation for each family, along with compensation for residential plots under the provincial policy, bringing the total value of the four compensation packages to Rs45.5 million. The government said compensation would be delivered directly to the families to provide immediate relief, while it would also bear the educational expenses of the martyrs’ children. Rind said financial compensation could never replace a human life, but the provincial government would continue to stand by the families of the martyrs and provide them every possible support.
Leadership Acknowledgment
The latest operational update came a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti commended the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and Balochistan Police for the progress of Operation Shaban and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to continuing operations against terrorist groups.
