At least 19 militants were killed and 11 security personnel martyred during an intelligence-driven operation targeting Fitna al-Hindustan militants along the N-25 highway in Balochistan. The operation took place between Jhao Cross and Kararo, where militants had been extorting money from travelers and local residents.
Authorities emphasized that any attempt to disrupt peace in Balochistan would be met with a firm response, assuring protection of public lives, property, and highway security.
This operation followed an armed assault on a police checkpoint in Balochistan’s Ziarat district late Monday. The attack resulted in the martyrdom of nine police officers and the abduction of five others. The assailants stormed the police post in the Mangi area, sparking a gunfight, Ziarat’s Superintendent of Police, Abdul Qudoos, who confirmed the abductions.
Since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a significant increase in militant attacks, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan being the hardest hit provinces. In response, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts across the border.
Authorities claim the operation has resulted in the deaths of numerous Afghan Taliban operatives and allied militants, with hundreds wounded. Border tensions escalated in October 2025 when the Afghan Taliban and affiliated groups launched what Pakistan described as unprovoked attacks on border posts.
Despite several rounds of dialogue, Islamabad and Kabul have yet to reach an agreement. Pakistan continues to assert that Afghan Taliban authorities have not taken sufficient measures against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
