Back to News

Deadly Gun and Bomb Attacks Hit Pakistan's Balochistan Province

<p Some roads in Balochistan's provincial capital Quetta have been sealed off as Pakistan's military reported killing at least 92 militants following deadly coordinated attacks in the south-western province. At least 15 security personnel and 18 civilians were killed, with India accused by Pakistan of supporting the militants. Delhi denies these allegations. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, stating dozens of soldiers were killed. Both claims lack independent verification. The attacks mark one of the deadliest days in violence-hit Balochistan, where the government has battled an ethnic insurgency for decades. The military launched clearance operations and successfully thwarted the rebels' designs. Key buildings in Quetta and roads were sealed, mobile services jammed, and train services suspended. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the military, vowing to eradicate terrorism. Earlier, militants armed with grenades and guns attacked 12 cities and towns targeting police, paramilitary installations, prisons, and government buildings. The BLA accuses Pakistan of exploiting Balochistan's resources without benefiting locals, while activists blame security forces for enforced disappearances, which Islamabad denies. Resistance began in 1948 after Pakistan's independence. Balochistan borders Iran and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan with a coastline on the Arabian Sea. It is home to the largest ethnic group, the Baloch, followed by Pashtuns.