A series of gun and bomb attacks have taken place in Pakistan’s south-western Balochistan province. Pakistan’s military claims that 18 civilians and 15 security personnel were killed in the attacks. The military also said that at least 92 attackers were killed in retaliatory operations.
Earlier, the rebel group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attacks and said “many” soldiers were killed. However, the claims from both sides could not be independently verified.
The latest violence is being seen as one of the deadliest days in Balochistan in recent times. Pakistan’s government has been fighting an ethnic insurgency in this impoverished and volatile province for decades.
Where and how the attacks took place
According to the military, multiple attacks targeted civilians in and around the provincial capital Quetta, as well as in other areas.
Reports say that grenade and gun attacks were carried out across 12 cities and towns in the province. The targets included police and paramilitary installations, prisons, and government buildings.
For security reasons, some key administrative buildings in Quetta and nearby roads were reportedly closed or sealed throughout the day. Mobile phone networks were disrupted, and regional train services were suspended as a precautionary measure.
Government’s position
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later praised the military and said operations would continue until terrorism is completely eradicated.
Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities alleged that India is supporting the BLA. New Delhi has repeatedly denied such accusations in the past.
Long-running insurgency and competing claims
The BLA accuses Pakistan’s federal government of exploiting Balochistan’s rich natural resources—such as gas and minerals—without the local population benefiting.
On the other hand, some local activists allege enforced disappearances by Pakistani security forces, allegations that Islamabad denies.
Balochistan: geography and population
Balochistan covers about 44 percent of Pakistan’s total land area and borders Iran and Afghanistan, making it strategically significant. A portion of Pakistan’s Arabian Sea coastline also lies within the province.
Although Pakistan has a population of more than 240 million, only about 5 percent live in Balochistan. In terms of natural resources, the province is among the country’s richest—especially in gas and minerals.
The region takes its name from the Baloch tribe, the largest ethnic group there. Since Pakistan’s independence, resistance against the central government and an insurgency demanding a separate state for the Baloch people has existed since 1948.