Security forces killed 17 terrorists in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kachhi and Kharan districts on November 1, while a Pakistan Army soldier was martyred in an exchange of fire, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said on Tuesday.
According to ISPR, the operations followed reports that militants belonging to groups it called Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij — described by the military as Indian-sponsored proxies — were present in the area. Weapons and ammunition were recovered in both raids. Sanitisation sweeps are continuing, ISPR added.
Operations in Kachhi and Kharan
In the Sanni area of Kachhi district, forces acted on intelligence and stopped an attempt by militants to establish a roadblock in the city. Ten terrorists were killed in that action, ISPR said.
In a separate intelligence-based operation in Kharan district, security forces hit a militant hideout. An intense firefight followed, in which seven terrorists were killed and arms and ammunition were seized, according to the statement.
Soldier from Karak martyred
During the Kharan exchange of fire, Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, 25, a resident of Karak district, was martyred after fighting gallantly, ISPR said. The military said further clearing operations are under way to find any remaining militants in the area.
ISPR linked the action to the wider counterterrorism drive under “Azm-e-Istehkam” — a campaign approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan — and said security forces and law enforcement agencies would keep pressing to remove foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
President Zardari’s response
President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the elimination of the 17 terrorists and praised the forces for stopping the roadblock attempt in Kachhi and for striking the hideout in Kharan. He said their readiness had blocked the militants’ plans.
The president expressed deep grief over Sepoy Hikmat Ullah’s martyrdom and offered condolences to the bereaved family. He said the soldier’s sacrifice for the country’s defence and for peace would be remembered, prayed for the elevation of his ranks, and asked for strength for his relatives. He also said counterterrorism work would continue until foreign-sponsored terrorism is fully ended, calling the efforts of the security forces a matter of national pride.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- November 1: Intelligence-based operation in Sanni, Kachhi district; roadblock attempt foiled; 10 terrorists killed; weapons recovered.
- November 1: Separate operation in Kharan district; hideout raided; seven terrorists killed; Sepoy Hikmat Ullah martyred in the firefight.
- November 3: ISPR announces the results and says sanitisation operations are continuing under Azm-e-Istehkam.
- November 3: President Asif Ali Zardari praises the forces and offers condolences to the martyr’s family.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Balochistan ke Kachhi aur Kharan ilaqon mein security forces ne do operations mein 17 dehshatgard maar diye. Kachhi mein road block rokne ki koshish rok di gayi, Kharan mein hideout par hamla hua. Is firefight mein Sepoy Hikmat Ullah shaheed hue. Ilaqe mein safai kaam jari hain taake logon ki safety behtar rahe.
