QUETTA: At least three alleged “commanders” of Balochistan-based militant groups have been taken into custody, while 35 operatives were killed during recent intelligence-based operations, according to the provincial government.
Speaking on Sunday, Chief Minister’s aide Shahid Rind said security forces launched an operation on May 13 in the Mangla Zarghoon Gar area on the outskirts of Quetta, which continued for four days in the hilly terrain.
He stated that during the operation, multiple militant hideouts and camps were destroyed and three commanders were arrested. Officials claimed that the action targeted armed networks operating in the region amid rising security threats.
The announcement comes in the aftermath of a series of violent incidents in Quetta and surrounding areas, including rocket attacks earlier this month that authorities say were launched from nearby mountainous regions. In a separate briefing, police officials had warned of multiple security challenges in the provincial capital and confirmed heightened security deployments.
Security tensions further escalated after an explosion damaged a bridge in the Sheikh Wasil area of Mastung last week, disrupting traffic on the Quetta–Taftan highway. Armed assailants also set fire to trucks carrying goods from Iran, according to officials.
Authorities have since intensified operations, stating that pressure is increasing on militant groups and their facilitators. Government spokespersons have vowed continued action until what they described as the complete elimination of terrorism in the province.
In a parallel development, the provincial government imposed Section 144 across Balochistan, introducing wide-ranging restrictions for 30 days to maintain law and order.
According to an official notification, the measures include a ban on display and use of weapons, pillion riding on motorcycles, tinted vehicle windows, unregistered motorcycles, and public gatherings of more than five people. Authorities also prohibited face coverings in public that may hinder identification.
The order, approved by Additional Chief Secretary Home Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat, has been enforced with immediate effect. Implementation instructions have been issued to commissioners, deputy commissioners, police, and other law enforcement agencies across the province.
Government aide Babar Yousafzai said security forces remain on high alert, warning that any activity by banned groups would be met with a strong response. He referred to proscribed outfits using terms officially employed by the state to describe militant organisations operating in the region.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has suspended train operations from Balochistan for two days due to security concerns.
Officials confirmed that the Jaffar Express service between Quetta and Peshawar has been cancelled on May 18 and 19, operating only up to Jacobabad before returning on both days. The Bolan Mail to Karachi and the Chaman Passenger service remain suspended until further notice.
Authorities said the temporary suspension was taken as a precautionary measure amid ongoing security developments in the province.