QUETTA: Security forces in Balochistan have intensified counterterrorism and anti-smuggling operations, killing more than 100 militants in the province’s northern belt over the past three months.
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Additional Chief Secretary for Home and Tribal Affairs Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat revealed the figures during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday. He added that over 200 intelligence-based operations had been carried out in Kachhi district alone.
According to Mr Shafqaat, the province has also moved aggressively against illegal fuel trade and smuggling networks. Authorities sealed 3,561 illegal petrol pumps during the recent crackdown, while customs officials conducted 2,575 operations resulting in the seizure of 416 non-custom-paid vehicles. He noted that coordinated efforts were underway across multiple districts to dismantle terrorist groups and criminal syndicates.
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The meeting, attended by Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan and senior security officials, reviewed progress on directives issued by national and provincial action committees. Officials discussed ongoing efforts to improve law and order, strengthen security oversight and curb activities that threaten stability. Mr Shafqaat reported that the registration of seminaries was being ensured and that relevant regulations were being enforced to prevent misuse.
Chief Minister Bugti expressed satisfaction over the momentum of ongoing crackdowns and praised the security and administrative teams for their coordinated response. He directed all departments to accelerate operations, maintain strict enforcement and ensure uninterrupted implementation of committee decisions. The chief minister emphasised that sustained vigilance was essential to eliminate threats and secure long-term peace in the province.
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Reiterating the government’s commitment, Mr Bugti said protecting citizens’ lives and property remained the state’s top priority. He assured that the provincial government would continue using all available resources to uphold peace and support Balochistan’s development trajectory.