A devastating wave of coordinated terrorist attacks across Balochistan province on Saturday left scores dead, triggering a swift and forceful response from security forces and world leaders alike.
The multi-pronged assaults on Saturday targeted police stations, military installations, a high-security prison, markets and civilian areas in at least a dozen districts, including Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung and Naushki. According to provincial officials, at least 48 people were killed in the initial attacks, including 31 civilians and 17 security personnel, while 145 militants were killed during ensuing counter-operations conducted over nearly 40 hours. Authorities have described the violence as one of the deadliest escalations in Balochistan’s long-running insurgency, which Islamabad blames on rival Delhi.
The banned separatist group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the coordinated offensive, dubbing it “Operation Herof.” The group also released footage and propaganda statements asserting that its fighters struck multiple targets and used civilian populations as cover.
Hospitals in Quetta and other cities were overwhelmed with the influx of wounded, while emergency services grappled with chaotic conditions. Communication services were disrupted in parts of the province as authorities sought to maintain control and prevent the spread of unverified information.
Immediately after the attacks, the state deployed security forces comprising the Army, Frontier Corps and counterterrorism units across affected areas. Operations to clear militant strongholds continued into Sunday, with checkpoints and patrols strengthened in urban and rural districts alike. Provincial authorities also imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings, restricting face coverings and limiting pillion riding in an effort to deter further violence.
The government’s war-time response underscored Islamabad’s determination to prevent militants from gaining ground or disrupting key infrastructure, including transport links and economic projects in the restive province.
On Sunday, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti held a press briefing in Quetta, condemning the attacks as “pure terrorism” and pledging that the provincial government and security forces would relentlessly pursue militants and their facilitators. He highlighted that pre-emptive intelligence allowed a more effective security response, preventing even greater loss of life. He paid tribute to fallen civilians and security personnel and promised ongoing support for their families.
The same day, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif alleged to a press briefing in Sialkot that “foreign-backed militants”—referring to India—were responsible for the violence and reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism. He reiterated that Pakistan’s forces were fully prepared to counter any threats to national security and underscored the importance of unity in facing such challenges.
International reactions
The attacks drew swift international condemnation, with dozens of countries and diplomatic missions expressing solidarity with Pakistan. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry strongly denounced the violence, reaffirmed its rejection of terrorism and offered condolences to the families of victims, praising Pakistan’s security response. The United States, through its Chargé d’Affaires, condemned the attacks and reiterated Washington’s partnership with Pakistan in counter-terrorism efforts, stressing that the U.S. stands with Islamabad during this difficult period. The United Kingdom and Türkiye also issued statements condemning the violence and supporting Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, while Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks and extended sympathies to the victims and their families. Other international missions and governments echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that terrorism undermines regional stability and must be confronted collectively.