A large-scale military operation is reportedly continuing across several districts of Balochistan, with local sources describing the deployment of Pakistan military’s thousands of ground troops supported by gunship helicopters, artillery units, drones and armoured vehicles.
The operation, which began on Tuesday, has affected parts of Mastung, Kalat, Noshki, Kech, Khuzdar and Panjgur districts. Residents and local sources report that mobile data and communication services have been suspended in several affected areas, making independent verification of events difficult.
According to reports from multiple districts, military activity has been concentrated in areas including Khadkucha, Aab Gul, Kardegap, Noshki, Mangochar, Zehri and surrounding localities near Quetta. Witnesses have reported the movement of large military convoys, artillery units and armoured vehicles. Helicopter activity and shelling have also been reported from several locations.
Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed that intelligence-based operations were conducted in different parts of Balochistan. According to ISPR, 17 individuals described as militants were killed during the operations. The military stated that weapons, explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered and alleged that those killed had been involved in attacks against security forces and other armed activities.
Zehri Operation and Death of Political Figure
One of the most significant incidents reported during the ongoing operation occurred in the Balbal area of Zehri, Khuzdar district.
According to local sources and family members, helicopters were seen flying over the area before a large contingent of security forces entered the locality. Search operations and gunfire were reported for several hours.
Family members and local political leaders state that security personnel raided the residence of tribal elder and former Khuzdar District Mayor Sardar Naseer Ahmed Musiyani. During the operation, Mir Khalil Ahmed Musiyani, a local political figure and elected union council member, was reportedly shot and taken away while injured. His family later received information that he had died.
The family and political representatives allege that several relatives and associates were also detained during the operation.
BNP Condemns Operation
The Balochistan National Party (BNP) strongly condemned the incident and accused security forces of using excessive force during the operation.
According to the party, Mir Khalil Ahmed Musiyani served as the BNP’s Senior Vice President in Khuzdar district and was an elected local representative. BNP leaders stated that Sardar Naseer Ahmed Musiyani, a member of the party’s Central Executive Committee and former district administrator, was also subjected to mistreatment during the raid.
Related: BNP Announces Protests After Sardar Naseer Musiyani, Sons Detained in Zehri Operation
The party further alleged that several individuals, including members of the Musiyani family and their relatives, were taken into custody and transferred to an undisclosed location. BNP has called for the immediate release of detainees or their production before a court of law and has demanded an independent investigation into the incident.
BNP president Sardar Akhtar Mengal stated that Mir Khalil Ahmed Musiyani was taken away in an injured condition before the family was later informed that his body could be collected. Mengal described the incident as deeply concerning and reiterated calls for a transparent inquiry. He argued that Balochistan’s political issues require dialogue and constitutional solutions rather than the use of force.
Rights Group Raises Concerns
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) also issued a statement criticising the operation in Zehri and describing the ongoing restrictions as a continuation of what it characterised as systematic abuses in Balochistan.
The organisation alleged that helicopters shelled populated areas and that heavily armed forces entered the town in armoured vehicles. It further claimed that a curfew remains in place, severely restricting movement and affecting access to essential services.
BYC also alleged that several civilians were detained during the operation and claimed that local schools and other buildings were being used as temporary military facilities. The group called on national and international human rights organisations to monitor the situation and seek information regarding those detained.
The organisation additionally alleged that a civilian identified as Umair Sumalani was killed while travelling with family members during the period of restrictions.
Helicopter Shelling in Panjgur and Kalat
Separate reports have also emerged from Panjgur and Kalat districts.
According to local sources, military helicopters conducted flights over the Chedgi area of Panjgur for several hours on Wednesday, with reports of shelling in surrounding localities. Similar reports were received from Harboi and nearby areas in Kalat district, where residents described increased military activity and alleged shelling.
No official confirmation regarding these specific reports has been issued by authorities.
Information Restrictions Limit Verification
With communication networks disrupted across several affected districts and many areas reportedly under heavy military presence, independent verification of developments remains difficult. As a result, details regarding casualties, detentions and the scale of the operation continue to emerge primarily through local sources, political parties and rights organisations.
The operation remains ongoing across multiple districts of Balochistan, and the full extent of its impact is not yet clear. Authorities have so far confirmed the conduct of security operations and the reported deaths of 17 alleged militants, which also remain contested by local parties and rights groups.