The Balochistan government confirmed on Thursday that several passengers were kidnapped near Sardhaka, an area already under stress from rising militant activity. According to government spokesperson Shahid Rind, the kidnapping occurred during a fresh wave of coordinated attacks in Quetta, Kalat, Mastung, and Sardhaka. Security forces have launched a full-scale search and rescue operation in the area.
The attackers are believed to be part of the group Fitna-al-Hindustan, which Pakistan alleges is backed by India. This group has been blamed for multiple recent terrorist incidents. Rind said security forces “responded immediately and vigorously” at all affected locations and remain on high alert to protect lives and infrastructure.
Though the number of abducted passengers has not yet been disclosed, officials fear that they may have been taken into remote or mountainous terrain, making the recovery operation more difficult. Sardhaka is located in a region where communication is limited and militants often operate freely, posing serious challenges for law enforcement.
Balochistan has faced a surge in targeted killings and ambushes over the past year, especially against Punjabi settlers, travelers, and laborers. Previous attacks include bus ambushes in Gwadar, Barkhan, and Musakhail districts. Many of these attacks have been attributed to Baloch separatist groups such as the banned BLA, now rebranded under different names.
Earlier today, Field Marshal Asim Munir accused India of accelerating its “nefarious proxy war” through groups like Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan. He vowed that Pakistan’s forces will respond with strength and unity to defend the country’s territorial integrity and ensure the safe recovery of citizens.