Security has been tightened across several parts of Balochistan ahead of the death anniversary of Aslam Baloch, the former commander-in-chief of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), who was killed in a suicide attack in 2018.
Pakistan Railways suspended all train services to and from Quetta for Thursday, cancelling the Jaffar Express, Bolan Mail and the Chaman-bound passenger service. Officials said the decision was taken due to “heightened security concerns”.
Local sources said there has also been increased troop movement in Lasbela, Khuzdar and parts of the Makuran region as forces carried out precautionary deployments.
Aslam Baloch was killed on 25 December 2018 along with five senior members of the BLA. The group later conferred its highest title, “General”, on him, describing him as a founding figure who expanded the group’s operational and organizational structure and founded the Majeed Brigade.
On the same date in 2022, the BLA carried out multiple coordinated attacks across Balochistan, claiming significant casualties among Pakistani military personnel.
Security officials said additional precautionary measures had been implemented to prevent any potential attacks around the anniversary.
Related: