The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Frontier Corps (FC) conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Darakhshan area of Quetta, killing two individuals allegedly linked to a banned organization, officials said on Monday.
According to a CTD spokesperson, an exchange of fire between the militants and security forces lasted for about an hour. One militant was shot dead during the clash, while the second allegedly detonated an explosive device, killing himself.
Following the operation, the CTD said they recovered a suicide vest, arms, ammunition, and explosives from the hideout.
The CTD spokesperson claimed the individuals had been planning sabotage activities in Quetta.
However, human rights groups and local observers have raised concerns over the CTD’s version of events, citing previous allegations that forcibly disappeared individuals have been killed in “staged encounters.”
Earlier this month, on 19 April, the CTD claimed five suspected militants were killed during a shootout in Duki district. Officials alleged that the men had links to Baloch “pro-independence” armed groups and said weapons were recovered from the scene.
Families and rights organizations later identified the deceased as individuals previously detained by Pakistani security forces.
Among those identified were Abdul Nabi Marri, Muhammad Deen Marri, and Ejaz.
Ejaz, a resident of Manguchar in Kalat district, was reportedly detained on 12 April 2025 along with Zaid, son of Abid Khan, a resident of Sariab, Quetta. Both were reported missing shortly after. On 16 April, Ejaz’s family confirmed his enforced disappearance to the media. His body was later identified among those killed in the Duki encounter.
Abdul Nabi Marri was allegedly forcibly disappeared two months ago, along with his father and brother. Family members said all three had remained in custody since their detention.
Muhammad Deen Marri was reportedly forcibly disappeared from Balochistan’s Harnai district in December 2024. His case had been highlighted by human rights groups and social media users in January 2025.
Following the latest incident in Quetta, rights organizations have voiced fears that the Darakhshan operation may also have involved the killing of disappeared individuals in a staged encounter.