The year 2025 proved to be yet another difficult and painful period for Balochistan in terms of law and order, as the province remained gripped by persistent terrorist violence, resulting in the loss of hundreds of civilian and security personnel lives and sustaining an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty across the region.
According to security sources, a total of 432 terrorist incidents were reported across Balochistan during the year. These attacks claimed the lives of 284 civilians and 205 security personnel, highlighting the severe human cost of the ongoing security challenge. The incidents significantly disrupted daily life and raised serious concerns about the overall security situation in the province.
The provincial capital Quetta, along with districts including Mastung, Khuzdar, Turbat, and Nokkundi, witnessed six suicide attacks during the year. One of the most serious incidents occurred on 11 March in Bolan, where terrorists attacked the Jaffar Express, taking passengers hostage. During the subsequent security operation, 33 terrorists were neutralized, while 26 innocent people lost their lives in the attack.
Another tragic incident took place on 18 February in Barkhan, where seven passengers were brutally killed. In July, separate firing incidents targeted passenger coaches near Zhob and Qalat, resulting in multiple fatalities. Among those who lost their lives was Ahmed Hussain Sabri, cousin of renowned qawwal Amjad Sabri.
One of the most heartbreaking attacks occurred on 15 May in Khuzdar, when a bus carrying students of an Army Public School was targeted. The attack resulted in the martyrdom of six individuals, including four children, while 43 others sustained injuries. Similarly, on 30 September, a suicide attack on the Frontier Corps Headquarters in Quetta claimed the lives of 12 people.
Despite the grim security landscape, law enforcement and security agencies continued sustained counterterrorism efforts throughout the year. According to Additional Chief Secretary Home Hamza Shafqat and DIG Counter Terrorism Department Aitizaz, more than 78,000 intelligence-based operations were conducted across Balochistan in 2025. These operations led to the killing of 707 terrorists, reflecting the scale and intensity of ongoing security actions.
Officials have emphasized that while significant progress has been made in counterterrorism operations, the threat remains persistent and evolving. Security forces remain engaged in continuous efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore stability in the province.
Overall, 2025 remained a discouraging year for peace and security in Balochistan, with residents enduring prolonged insecurity and fear. Public circles have strongly called for more effective, comprehensive, and sustained measures to eliminate terrorism completely and ensure the protection of civilians, underscoring the urgent need for lasting peace and stability in the province.
