Funeral prayers were held in Quetta for police personnel killed in a series of attacks that took place in the city under BLA’s “Operation Herof” earlier on Saturday, with several senior federal and regional officials attending the ceremony.
According to official statements, attacks and clashes were reported across Balochistan, particularly in Quetta, during the early hours of the day under what the Baloch “pro-independence” group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) described as the second phase of its “Operation Herof.”
One of the deadliest incidents occurred near the Quetta Hockey Ground, where a vehicle laden with explosives was rammed into police personnel, resulting in the deaths of dozens of officers, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Funeral prayers for the slain personnel were offered at Police Lines Quetta. Those in attendance included Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti, Corps Commander Balochistan Lt. Gen. Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan, regional ministers, members of the assembly, Inspector General of Police Balochistan, and other senior civil and military officials.
Speaking to the media, Mohsin Naqvi said the “sacrifices” of the deceased personnel were a source of “pride” for the nation and would not go in vain. He stated that elements opposed to the state could not succeed against public resolve and state institutions.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the deaths of the police personnel had further strengthened the government’s resolve to maintain law and order, adding that authorities would continue taking all necessary measures against what he described as “anti-peace activities.”
Meanwhile, reports circulating on social media claimed that dozens of CTD and police personnel had been taken into custody by Baloch “pro-independence” fighters in separate incidents. The reports also alleged that one station house officer had been killed and an inspector, along with four personnel, had been abducted.
The coordinated attacks by the BLA have triggered strong criticism from opposition parties and other quarters, who have described the incidents as a security failure. Opposition lawmakers have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bugti over the situation.
Following the criticism, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Quetta.
Responding to the opposition’s claims, regional government spokesperson Shahid Rind said an operation against the Baloch Liberation Army was under way. He accused opposition parties of exploiting the situation for political gain.