At least nine police officers were martyred, and several remain missing, following an attack by gunmen in Balochistan province, a local government official confirmed on Tuesday. The attackers opened fire on police personnel guarding the construction site of a multi-billion rupee dam in Ziarat district, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Quddus Achakzai said.
Senior Officers Among Martyrs
Two senior officers were among those martyred, and a search operation is underway to locate missing personnel, Achakzai added. Protests erupted against the attack along a national highway near the incident site. The police were guarding the construction of the Mangi Dam, which aims to address water shortages in Quetta, the provincial capital.
Security Forces Clearance Operation
A spokesperson for the Balochistan government, Shahid Rind, confirmed that security forces successfully completed a clearance operation against terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij in Ziarat district on Tuesday, killing 15 militants. The operation was jointly conducted by the Frontier Corps (FC), Balochistan Police, and other law enforcement agencies.
Rind stated that the terrorists paid a heavy price for attempting to disrupt peace in the province. “The state is responding with full force, and the nefarious designs of terrorists have been crushed,” he said. “Elements challenging the writ of the state will be brought to justice. The war against terrorism is being pursued with full strength,” he added.
Tributes and Condolences
Paying tribute to the martyred police officers, Shahid Rind said their sacrifices will never be forgotten and their blood will be avenged. He reaffirmed that the Balochistan government salutes the courage of the martyrs and remains committed to supporting their families.
Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the attack by Fitna al-Khawarij on the police check post in Ziarat. In a statement, he said the sacrifices of the martyred officers will always be remembered and that the entire nation is united against terrorism. He prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks in Jannah and for patience and strength for their families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, paying tribute to the police personnel, including Station House Officers (SHOs), who were martyred. He commended the security forces for killing 15 terrorists during the clearance operation. The prime minister said the attack demonstrated that Fitna al-Khawarij is an enemy of prosperity, peace, and development in Balochistan. He emphasized that the sacrifices of the martyrs will not go in vain and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. “The war against terrorists will continue until the complete elimination of these enemies of peace,” he said.
