Balochistan remains tense as a series of coordinated attacks on security forces continue for the second consecutive day, while road blockades and checkpoints have been reported in various regions.
Earlier today, unidentified assailants targeted Pakistani security forces with a bomb attack near Kalat Toll Plaza. In another incident, the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kharan was attacked, and in Turbat, the Pakistan Navy’s camp came under fire from unknown armed individuals.
Similar incidents were reported in Kech district’s Dasht area, while explosions were also heard in Kolwah, Pasni, and Jiwani. Additionally, in Barkhan, unidentified individuals have reportedly set up checkpoints at Rakhni, stopping and inspecting vehicles for several hours.
Reports from Naseerabad in Turbat indicate that armed individuals are patrolling the area. In a separate incident, Pakistani security forces were attacked, a police station was set on fire, and weapons and other equipment were seized by armed assailants.
In the industrial city of Hub Chowki, an explosion occurred when unknown attackers hurled a hand grenade at the City Police Station, causing a loud detonation. Meanwhile, in Quetta’s Double Road area, a bomb explosion near a police mobile resulted in the deaths of two and injuries to 17 others, including police officers. The wounded were transferred to the Trauma Center at Civil Hospital.
Rescue officials reported that the explosion caused significant damage to a police vehicle and set a motorcycle ablaze. Furthermore, reports indicate that an attack targeted a Pakistani security checkpoint in Keshangi, Noshki.
The wave of attacks, which began yesterday evening, continues without any group claiming responsibility so far. On Wednesday, six were killed, including a CTD officer in armed checkpoint attacks and Firing.
In Mastung’s Choto area, armed assailants opened fire at a checkpoint, killing CTD officer ASI Javed Lehri and injuring another CTD officer, Habib. Meanwhile, in Mastung’s Karez Amanullah area, armed individuals attacked a Levies checkpoint and set a vehicle on fire.
On Wednesday, according to the Deputy Commissioner of Gwadar, near Kalmat, approximately 150 kilometres from Gwadar in Ormara, armed assailants intercepted a bus travelling from Gwadar to Karachi. Seven passengers were taken off the bus, five of whom were shot and killed, while one person was injured. The attackers also set a vehicle on fire.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti have strongly condemned the ongoing violence.
Adding to the chaos, mobile internet services have been suspended in Quetta and several districts, including Khuzdar, Kalat, Noshki, and Mastung. According to sources, the internet shutdown is in response to protests organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee and the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), which launched a long march from Wadh to Quetta.
Residents have reported that 3G and 4G services have been down since last evening, but there has been no official statement from the authorities regarding the suspension of internet services.