Security forces killed 21 terrorists linked to Indian-backed militant groups in separate clashes across Balochistan during the night of August 31 and September 1. Six personnel, including two officers and a Customs official, lost their lives in these operations.
In the first encounter in Nokcha, Chagai District, militants from Fitna al-Hindustan attempted to disrupt traffic on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway by setting up an illegal checkpoint to extort commuters on August 31. Security forces swiftly responded, and after a fierce gun battle, 11 terrorists were killed on the spot. A significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was seized from the deceased militants.
Meanwhile, during the night of August 31 to September 1, terrorists from Fitna al-Khawarij launched a coordinated assault aiming to breach the Customs House at Ziarat Cross in Pishin District. Security forces countered the attack effectively, killing 10 terrorists after intense fighting. Additional fleeing militants were engaged, resulting in further casualties.
The assault on the Customs House was described as part of a terror-crime nexus designed to obstruct customs officials from performing their duties, thereby enabling ongoing criminal activities in the region. Tragically, six courageous personnel, including two officers and a Customs Department official, were martyred during the firefight.
Sanitization operations continue in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining militants and secure the safety of local residents and critical national highways.
These actions form part of the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative, endorsed by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain fully committed to eradicating foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
Since 2021, following the Afghan Taliban’s rise to power, Pakistan has experienced a surge in terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces. A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) highlighted that these two provinces were the primary hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026, with KP being the most affected.
The report revealed that KP and Balochistan accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities nationwide during this period. KP recorded over 61% of deaths (475), while Balochistan accounted for 34% (265). KP also experienced the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases representing 57% of the national total, followed by Balochistan with 94 incidents or 35%, underscoring the concentration of militant activity in these regions.
