Pakistan on Wednesday said recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan were not only aimed at security personnel but also deliberately targeted innocent civilians, including vulnerable members of local communities.
Addressing a press conference on the security situation in Balochistan, the military spokesperson said terrorists attempted to create fear among the people by attacking civilians and exploiting local communities for their violent agenda.
He said one of the recent incidents involved terrorists targeting innocent people in Hnna Urak, while another major confrontation unfolded in Ziarat, where police personnel fought a prolonged battle against the attackers.
The military spokesperson said the terrorists had no concern for ordinary citizens and were pursuing an agenda of violence aimed at destabilizing Balochistan.
He highlighted that during the Ziarat operation, terrorists were holding children hostage, making the situation more sensitive and challenging for security forces and law enforcement agencies.
Despite the difficult circumstances, he said security personnel continued operations to protect innocent lives and prevent further harm to civilians.
The spokesperson said the sacrifices made during these operations reflected the commitment of Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies to safeguard the people of Balochistan.
According to the military, three major terrorist incidents occurred in Balochistan over a period of four days, resulting in the martyrdom of 42 security personnel, including 27 police officials and 11 soldiers of the Pakistan Army.
He said security forces and police responded effectively, eliminating 54 terrorists during subsequent operations in different areas, including Ziarat, Kharan and Dalbandin.
The military spokesperson stressed that terrorists claiming to represent any community were, in reality, attacking the very people they claimed to speak for.
He said the targeting of civilians proved that terrorist groups were enemies of peace, development and stability in Balochistan.
The spokesperson said the people of Balochistan had repeatedly rejected terrorism and stood alongside the state in efforts to restore lasting peace in the province.
He added that the sacrifices of civilians, police personnel and security forces would further strengthen Pakistan’s determination to eliminate terrorism.
“The terrorists and their facilitators will be pursued to every extent,” he said, reiterating that no compromise would be made with those targeting innocent citizens and security personnel.
He concluded that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism would continue until all terrorist networks threatening the lives and security of citizens were dismantled.
