Over 150 Killed, Internet Suspended as Balochistan Reels From Deadliest Attacks in Years

Pakistan’s security forces on Sunday launched a large-scale operation to track down militants behind a series of coordinated attacks across Balochistan that left at least 31 civilians, 17 security personnel and 145 militants dead, according to official figures cited by Reuters.

The attacks, among the deadliest in the troubled province in recent years, triggered a strong response from Islamabad, which vowed swift retaliation against those responsible.

Authorities imposed strict security measures across the region as investigations continued and rescue efforts entered their second day. Several areas, including parts of the provincial capital Quetta, remained sealed off, with troops conducting search operations after militants targeted banks, jails and military installations, officials told AFP. A deputy district commissioner was reportedly abducted during the violence.

Mobile internet services have been suspended for over 24 hours, while road traffic remains restricted and train services have been halted as part of heightened security arrangements.

Quetta remained largely deserted on Sunday following multiple explosions and gun battles. Major roads were empty, businesses were closed, and residents stayed indoors amid fears of further unrest. Debris, damaged vehicles and shrapnel were visible on several streets, highlighting the scale of the attacks.

“Anyone who leaves home has no certainty of returning safe and sound,” said Hamdullah, a 39-year-old shopkeeper in Quetta, speaking to AFP. “There is constant fear.”

In a statement late Saturday, the Pakistan military said it was carrying out “sanitisation operations” in affected areas and vowed to bring all those involved to justice.

“The instigators, perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of these heinous and cowardly acts will be held accountable,” the military said.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most active separatist group in the province, claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying it targeted military installations, police and civil officials using gunfire and suicide bombings.

The violence followed military operations a day earlier in which 41 insurgents were reportedly killed. Balochistan has witnessed a decades-long separatist insurgency and frequent attacks on security forces, non-local residents and foreign interests.

Meanwhile, India on Sunday rejected Pakistan’s allegations of Indian involvement in the violence. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the claims were “baseless” and aimed at deflecting attention from internal issues.

“Instead of making frivolous accusations, Pakistan should focus on addressing the long-standing grievances of its people in the region,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s human rights record in Balochistan was well known.