QUETTA: The Balochistan government has carried out more than 78,000 intelligence-based operations across the province this year as part of its counter-terrorism strategy, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat announced on Sunday.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside DIG Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Aetzaz Ahmed Goraya, Hamza Shafqaat revealed that 707 terrorists were either killed or arrested during these operations.
The Additional Chief Secretary Home noted that the campaign has come at a significant cost, with 202 security personnel embracing martyrdom while safeguarding citizens’ lives and property.
To strengthen law enforcement infrastructure, he revealed that Rs. 2 billion have been allocated for the fortification and improvement of police stations across Balochistan, aimed at enhancing security and preventing future attacks on law enforcement facilities.
Hamza Shafqaat confirmed the arrest of three terrorists involved in the murder of SHO Kharan City, Qasim Baloch, during a successful operation.
He further highlighted that the U.S. State Department has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, calling it an important international step against militant groups in the region.
He added that the provincial government has established a “Red Notice Cell” to pursue suspects orchestrating terrorism from abroad at the international level.
DIG CTD Aetzaz Ahmed Goraya provided further details, stating that the arrested suspects belong to the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and had received terrorist training in Afghanistan.
According to Goraya, the terrorists initially planned to kidnap SHO Qasim Baloch, torture him, and record propaganda videos. When the officer resisted, they opened fire, killing him.
Government-issued SMGs and the vehicle used in the crime were recovered from the suspects, who were also linked to the planning of an attack on the Frontier Corps Headquarters in Noshki. The arrested individuals will be produced before the court for further legal proceedings.
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