Terrorists on Friday attacked a bank and residences of government officers in Balochistan’s Surab district, killing a senior district administration official.
“Heavily armed militants launched a coordinated assault on a bank and the residences of senior government officers in Surab Bazaar,” said provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind. “The attackers looted the bank and set fire to several official residences,” he added.
According to Rind, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Revenue Hidayatullah Buledi was killed in the attack while resisting the terrorists. He said women and children were also present at the ADC’s residence at the time of the attack.
Paying tribute to Buledi, the spokesperson said the ADC had fought valiantly to protect Baloch children and women from the terrorists, ultimately laying down his life in the line of duty. “He has set a new example of bravery by sacrificing his life for the nation,” he added.
Rind emphasized that the attack was no random act of violence, but part of a calculated attempt to destabilize the province. “This operation was carried out by Indian-backed proxies. It is a clear effort to challenge the state’s authority and spread fear,” he said. “By targeting Baloch areas and Baloch women and children, Fitna al-Hindustan has once again proven that these Indian-sponsored terrorists have no connection with Balochistan and Baloch traditions,” he said, referring to the state’s designation for terrorists of the banned Baloch Liberation Army.
Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat, in a posting on X, confirmed the ADC’s death. “The attack was carried out by Fitna al-Hindustan. Mr. Buledi was a LUMS alumnus. Levies and other law enforcement agencies valiantly fought them back,” he wrote.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack comprised 20-30 terrorists, who entered the market of Surab city on motorcycles in the evening and targeted soft civilian areas such as banks and markets. Rind said security forces, including the Frontier Corps, police and Levies, had reached the spot upon learning of the attack and launched a joint clearance operation. “Search and clearance operations are ongoing, and the enemies of peace will be brought to justice,” he vowed.
Condemnations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent citizens, government officials, and a bank. He also paid tribute to ADC Buledi for embracing martyrdom while defending his area from terrorists.
“ADC Hidayatullah Buledi set an example of bravery while fighting against the terrorists. The sympathies of the whole nation are with the family of the martyred,” he said in a statement, stressing the terrorists had targeted innocent and unarmed citizens, including children and women.
“The attack by cowardly terrorists on the citizens and their properties is openly and evidently reflective of their animosity towards the people and the progress of Balochistan,” he said. “The war against terrorists will continue until their complete elimination from the country. The armed forces of Pakistan are working day and night to exterminate the proxies who are spreading terrorism in Pakistan under the patronage of India,” he added.
“The whole nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in completely wiping out the elements involved in terrorism with the abetment of India,” he said, directing authorities concerned to identify the people involved and ensure exemplary punishment.