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 was ordered after terrorists ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles that resulted in the deaths of nine police officers, including two station house officers (SHOs).
Attack Details and Casualties
According to official sources, the attack occurred on Tuesday when terrorists ambushed a police contingent deployed at Mangi Dam. The ensuing gunfight lasted several hours, leaving nine police officers dead. Terrorists also abducted several civilians and police personnel during the assault. Five of the abducted civilians later managed to escape, while security forces successfully rescued a constable during the operation.
Inquiry Committee Formation
A notification issued by the provincial home department stated that the inquiry committee would be headed by the chairman of the Chief Minister's Inspection Team (CMIT) and would 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. 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.
Powers and Scope of Investigation
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. He stated, "The committee will also determine whether there had been any negligence, operational failures, or other shortcomings and recommend action against those found responsible." Beyond investigating the attack, the committee is also 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.
Chief Minister's Stance
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz 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. In a tweet from the Government of Balochistan account, he said, "We will thwart every attempt to weaken the state through terrorism."
Broader Security Concerns
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. 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.
Related Protests
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 that left four people dead. They demanded that the authorities launch decisive action against the terrorists.
