The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces are carrying out intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Shadi Kaur and Pasni areas of Gwadar, as well as Jattakabad in Kalat district, following reports of militant hideouts linked to the group designated by the state as Fitna al Hindustan.
The Pakistani state uses the term Fitna al Hindustan for Balochistan-based militant groups, alleging that India is involved in supporting terrorism and destabilising the country.
According to the military’s media wing, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Jattakabad area on October 18, killing four militants during an exchange of fire.
A substantial cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered during the operation, the statement said.
In a separate development, security forces launched a series of clearance operations in Shadi Kaur and Pasni in Gwadar district to eliminate suspected militant hideouts.
During one of these operations, Major Wajahat Waheed, 34, a resident of Lahore, was martyred when the lead contingent came under attack from an improvised explosive device (IED), ISPR said.
The military added that clearance and sanitisation operations would continue to locate and eliminate any remaining militants in the affected areas.
It said the counterterrorism campaign under the framework of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue with full intensity.
ISPR reiterated that security forces and law enforcement agencies remained committed to eliminating terrorism allegedly sponsored and supported by foreign elements.
Balochistan has experienced a rise in militant activity in recent years, prompting security forces to step up operations across the province.
A day before the latest operations, security forces reportedly killed eight militants described by authorities as India-sponsored during intelligence-based operations in Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar districts.
On the night of October 12–13, security forces also raided a suspected militant hideout in Washuk district, killing five militants, according to ISPR.
In another development, provincial government officials recently announced the arrest of six militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), two suspected female suicide bombers and two commanders of a banned organisation during intelligence-based operations across Balochistan.
Officials said approximately 90 arrested militants were being held at a designated centre, where investigations and legal proceedings were underway.
Earlier this month, security forces also eliminated five militants in Balochistan’s Mastung district, according to state media reports.
Data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) showed that terrorist attacks in Balochistan increased by seven per cent, rising from 83 incidents in July to 89 in August.
The report identified Balochistan as the province most affected by terrorism during the period under review.
The continued rise in militant activity has prompted intensified security operations as authorities seek to dismantle militant networks and improve security across the province.
