Pakistani officials say 78,000 Intelligence-Based Operations Conducted in Balochistan This Year
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: Pakistani authorities on Sunday said security forces have conducted 78,000 intelligence-based operations across Balochistan so far this year, resulting in the killing of 707 suspected militants.
The figures were shared at a press conference held at the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Balochistan by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqat and Deputy Inspector General of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Aitzaz Goraya.
Despite the large number of operations, officials said violence linked to proscribed organisations has claimed the lives of 202 security personnel and 280 civilians during the same period. They claimed that while attacks on security forces have declined compared to last year, due to improved operational strategies.
Hamza Shafqat said the government would pursue action through Interpol against individuals based abroad who are allegedly involved in planning, facilitating and financing terrorist activities inside Pakistan.
Providing details of a recent incident, DIG CTD Aitzaz Goraya said the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kharan was killed in October after militants attempted to abduct him for propaganda purposes.
He said the SHO was killed when he resisted the abduction attempt. Three suspects have since been arrested, while operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group involved.
Journalists present at the press conference noted that private media cameramen were not invited and that official details were released after a delay, rather than immediately following the briefing.
Meanwhile, rights concerns continue to surround security operations in Balochistan. In several military operations conducted in Balochistan, local populations have reportedly suffered human and financial losses.
Most recently, in Zehri town of the district Khuzdar, Pakistani authorities claimed to have targeted armed individuals during military offensives; however, reports emerged that women and children were killed in aerial strikes.
