Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind, flanked by provincial officials, briefs the media on security operations and the government’s response to recent militant activity in Balochistan. PHOTO: PTV (Screenshot)
QUETA:
The Balochistan government on Thursday announced that internet services in the provincial capital will be restored tonight following a series of coordinated terror attacks that left hundreds of terrorists dead and disrupted communications across the region.
Balochistan witnessed a series of coordinated attacks in multiple locations across the province over the weekend. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 92 terrorists were killed on Saturday as security forces repelled the attacks. The death toll rose as operations continued across the province, bringing the total number of terrorists killed to at least 216.
On Thursday, security forces successfully concluded Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan, carrying out a series of intelligence-based coordinated operations against what the military described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements, the ISPR said.
Read: Security forces conclude operations after terror attacks in Balochistan
Provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind, in a press conference on the security situation today, clarified that most parts of Quetta would see internet services return today. “In areas where search or trace operations are being carried out, the Internet may be slightly disrupted and there may be some interference, but Quetta’s Internet will be restored this afternoon.”
Detailing the aftermath of the August 31 attacks, Rind revealed that 216 terrorists were killed in retaliatory actions by security forces. The violence, which targeted 12 different locations including Quetta and Noshki, also led to the martyrdom of 36 civilians and 22 security personnel. Among the neutralized attackers were two women militants, while three civilian women were martyred during the Gwadar assault.
He defended the delay in the security forces’ response, saying the operation took time due to concerns about collateral damage. “In the first few hours, the biggest problem we faced in responding was that they were mixed with the general public, and there was a risk of collateral damage, which naturally causes some delay. Noshki was a place where we faced some difficulties, and the basic reason for the problem there was also avoiding collateral damage.”
When asked if Quetta was still facing any kind of threat, Rind said that in such situations multiple threats were generated, to which the security forces responded accordingly. He said that in the past there had also been some threats regarding such incidents and initiatives had already been taken to address them.
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“At the time when the Red Zone was attacked, it was not a situation where senior officers were present at their houses. The DIG CTD was personally leading the operation, and the IG police were present there. This means that some threat or alert had been received due to senior officers being on the ground.”
Security operations and weapons recovery.
Rind explained that security forces responded to the attacks in 12 different locations in the province. While most areas were cleared during the first day, Noshki remained a point of attention. In Quetta, ongoing search operations have led to the arrest of approximately 100 suspects who are currently being interrogated.
The spokesperson noted a worrying trend in weaponry recovered from residential properties during these raids. “During these operations, not only illegal small arms were recovered, but RR (recoilless rifle) weapons, anti-aircraft weapons and RPGs were also confiscated from certain houses,” Rind said.
The government confirmed that militants attacked the Noshki and Mastung prisons, leading to the escape of several undertrial prisoners and “serious criminals.” Rind said an “intense manhunt” was underway to apprehend the fugitives and that the Noshki prison superintendent was now in stable condition following the attack.
Addressing the identification of the slain terrorists, the spokesperson issued a stern warning to families harboring terrorists. He reiterated Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s earlier stance, pointing out that families who did not report children associated with terrorist organizations to the district administration or security agencies could face legal action if a connection is discovered.
Read more: Pakistan Railways restores Quetta train services after Balochistan attacks
Infrastructure and public services
Regarding the state of provincial connectivity, Rind reported that all national highways were cleared, except for a section in Noshki damaged by the explosions. Repair crews were expected to restore the road within 12 to 24 hours.
Despite the volatility, the government maintained that essential services would continue. Secondary school exams for grades 8 and 9 in Quetta will take place as planned, and the provincial anti-polio campaign remains active in all areas except Noshki.
Read: “No one can rationalize terrorism under any pretext,” says CDF Munir after Balochistan attacks
The provincial Minister of Health, also present at the briefing, noted that the emergency was still in force in all health centers. He added that the government was launching a specialized mental health project to address the psychological trauma inflicted on the public by the recent wave of violence.
