The Balochistan government on Wednesday suspended the Superintendent of Police (SP) Ziarat and ordered a high-level review of security arrangements following a terrorist attack on Mangi Dam that left nine police officers dead a day earlier. The inquiry committee, headed by the chairman of the Chief Minister's Inspection Team (CMIT), will also include the secretary of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), a senior deputy inspector general of police, and a representative of the Intelligence Bureau, according to a notification from the provincial home department.
Attack Details and Casualties
On Tuesday, terrorists ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine police officers, including two station house officers (SHOs). Terrorists also abducted several civilians and police personnel. Five of the abducted civilians later managed to escape, while security forces successfully rescued a constable during the operation.
Inquiry Committee's Mandate
The committee is tasked with examining all aspects of the incident, including security arrangements before, during, and after the attack, the command and control system, coordination among security agencies, and implementation of standard operating procedures. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said the committee has been granted full powers to summon officials, obtain records, record witness statements, inspect the site, and seek assistance from technical experts. The committee will also determine whether there was any negligence, operational failures, or other shortcomings and recommend action against those found responsible.
Security Review and Recommendations
Beyond investigating the attack, the committee is directed to review security at Mangi Dam and recommend immediate, medium, and long-term measures to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure across the province. It will also propose policy, institutional, and operational reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. The committee has been given 15 days to submit its report to the provincial government.
Official Statements
Chief Minister Bugti stated that negligence or incompetence in protecting the lives and property of the public would not be tolerated and pledged to further strengthen coordination and effectiveness among security institutions. According to the chief minister's office, the provincial cabinet will review the committee's findings after the report is submitted and take action on its recommendations.
Broader Context
Mangi Dam is considered one of Balochistan's key development projects, and the attack has raised concerns over the security of major infrastructure in the province. Earlier on Tuesday, political parties and tribesmen continued their sit-in protest for a third day on Quetta's Airport Road after a deadly armed clash in the Hanna Urak area left four people dead. They demanded that the authorities launch decisive action against the terrorists.
