QUETTA: A massive, coordinated wave of terrorist attacks swept across Balochistan on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction and death.
The violence, which a banned terrorist group calls “Operation Herof 2.0,” targeted government officials, police, and state infrastructure in multiple districts.
In one of the most brazen incidents in Quetta, terrorists opened fire on a Customs Department vehicle in the Syuryab Road area. Customs Assistant Collector Saleem Khokhar was shot in the shoulder and is undergoing surgery at a military hospital.
Tragically, four police personnel were martyred in the same attack.
Two other Customs officers narrowly escaped harm. Assistant Collector Waseem Feroz, a former Olympian, and their driver were unharmed.
In a separate but related event, Deputy Collector Ali Haider Mosani was stopped by terrorists while traveling with his family from Quetta to Sukkur. He was reportedly released because his family was present.
The attack has exposed the extreme dangers for government officers posted in Balochistan. An official, speaking anonymously, stated the province is a “very dangerous posting,” especially for officers from Karachi or Punjab, who are often specifically targeted.
The violence was not confined to Quetta. Across the province, from Nushki and Mastung to Gwadar and Turbat, terrorists launched synchronized assaults involving car bombs, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), arson, and heavy gunfire.
Key impacts of today’s attacks include:
· High Casualties: 58 terrorists were killed in counter-operations over 48 hours. Tragically, 99 law enforcement personnel were martyred while defending state installations and civilians.
· Infrastructure Targeted: Banks, police stations, government buildings, and administrative camps were attacked, looted, and set on fire.
· Public Life Disrupted: Public movement is heavily restricted with stay-at-home advisories. Commercial flights from Quetta were delayed or cancelled. Humanitarian groups have suspended field work.
Authorities say the situation remains tense but under the active control of the government and law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
The provincial Chief Minister and senior LEA commanders are personally visiting affected districts to oversee operations.
Aerial surveillance using helicopters and drones is ongoing in sensitive areas. Security forces have launched a major investigation and manhunt for the perpetrators.
The community mourns the loss of the slain policemen, as grave concerns grow over the safety of civil servants and citizens across Balochistan.
