The government of Balochistan has launched an investigation into the dramatic events in Zehri, Khuzdar district, where the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) seized control of key installations on Wednesday. Officials have pledged a transparent inquiry, vowing strict action against those responsible and addressing the delayed response from local authorities.
On Wednesday, heavily armed members of the BLA entered Zehri in a coordinated operation, targeting the Levies Force station, Nadra office, municipal committee, and a local bank. The attackers reportedly took over Rs. 90 million from a local bank and set multiple buildings ablaze.
Kalat Commissioner Naeem Khan Bazai told media that the attackers arrived in five vehicles and over 20 motorcycles, armed with sophisticated automatic weapons. They set up checkpoints and pickets in and around Zehri, preventing security forces from advancing. The operation lasted over eight hours, during which the group addressed locals via loudspeakers and patrolled the streets.
In a post-operation sweep, security forces reportedly recovered several areas but faced further resistance. Drone and helicopter surveillance has intensified in the region, though the group managed to flee, taking two Levies vehicles, 20 AK-47 rifles, several motorbikes, and other equipment.
The aftermath of the incident has stoked tensions. Local traders staged a protest in Zehri, alleging that security forces detained three shopkeepers during search operations. The traders’ union shut down the bazaar and organized a sit-in outside the burnt Zehri Levies station, demanding the immediate release of those detained.
Local sources have confirmed that the representative of the Zehri Traders’ Union held negotiations with Khuzdar Deputy Commissioner Yasir Dashti. One of the detained shopkeepers, Abdul Haleem Kehni, has reportedly been released, while two others, Dawood Qadir and Kareem Miraji, are expected to be released by morning, according to sources from the Zehri Traders’ Union.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan Government has taken notice of the delayed response by local authorities. A spokesperson confirmed that officials had been directed to ensure better coordination in future incidents to prevent further escalations.