Reports of armed attacks, gunfire and explosions emerged from several parts of Kharan on Tuesday night, while authorities reportedly declared the next 24 hours a sensitive period across Balochistan amid heightened security measures.
According to local sources, armed individuals established checkpoints at multiple locations in and around Kharan, including Baddo Bridge, Bab-e-Kharan, the CPEC route and Sarawan Road, where vehicles were reportedly stopped and searched.
Witnesses reported intermittent gunfire and loud explosions from different parts of the city throughout the evening. Sources said armed men targeted police personnel deployed near the residence of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Kharan’s Red Zone. During the attack, police personnel reportedly left the area, after which at least one police vehicle was set on fire.
Reports also indicated that a surveillance tower and a checkpoint at Sarawan Chowk were destroyed during the incidents.
According to local sources, three police personnel were taken into custody by the armed men and removed from the area.
The incidents come amid reports that authorities have classified the next 24 hours as highly sensitive across Balochistan. Sources said security arrangements are being further strengthened, while reports have also circulated regarding a possible suspension of mobile internet and data services on 26 August.
The developments coincide with the 20th anniversary of the killing of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti on 26 August 2006. In previous years, armed attacks have been reported in different parts of Balochistan around the anniversary, prompting heightened security measures by authorities.
No group has claimed responsibility for the incidents in Kharan at the time of reporting.