Update · 3 Nov 2026, 9:10 PM PKT: Weapons and ammunition were also recovered in the Kharan operation, the ISPR said.
Law enforcement agencies will join security forces in continuing the counterterrorism campaign, the ISPR said.
Security forces in Balochistan killed 17 militants in two operations driven by intelligence reports, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday. In the same period, an army soldier was martyred in an exchange of gunfire, the statement added.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the raids took place on November 1 after reports of militants it linked to what it called Indian proxy groups, Fitna Al Hindustan and Fitna Al Khawarij. The military’s account describes the 17 as Indian-sponsored terrorists.
Details of the Kachhi and Kharan raids
In the first action, in the Sanni area of Kachhi district, troops stopped militants who were trying to set up a roadblock in the city. Ten of them were killed, according to the statement, and weapons and ammunition were seized.
Also read: Security forces kill nine militants in Balochistan raids
A second team hit a militant hideout in Kharan district. After a heavy firefight, seven militants were killed. During that operation, Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, 25, a resident of Karak district, was martyred while engaging the militants, the ISPR said.
The military added that sanitisation operations were underway to find any remaining militants in the area.
Campaign to continue under Azm-e-Istehkam
The ISPR said the counterterrorism drive, carried out under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would carry on. It described the campaign as targeting what it called foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the forces for killing the 17 militants and paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmat Ullah. In a statement, he prayed for the soldier’s elevation in rank and extended condolences to the family. He said the forces were making significant gains against terrorism and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to remove all forms of terrorism from the country.
President Asif Ali Zardari also commended the forces, especially for foiling the attempt to block a road in Kachhi district. He praised their professionalism and alertness and expressed grief over the soldier’s death.
“The sacrifice of Sepoy Hikmat Ullah for the defence, peace and security of the country will always be remembered,” the president said, according to a statement issued by the President’s Media Wing. He added that operations under Azm-e-Istehkam would continue until foreign-sponsored terrorism was completely eliminated.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the forces for killing the 17 militants, whom he described as Indian-sponsored, and for thwarting their plans. Paying tribute to the soldier, he said Sepoy Hikmat Ullah had set an example by giving his life for the country. Naqvi said the nation stood with the security forces and that they remained determined to eliminate such militants.
