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Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Security forces kill four terrorists in Balochistan
Security forces killed four terrorists in a counter-terrorism operation in the Pahrod area of Balochistan province on Saturday night, intelligence sources said on Sunday. The operation targeted operatives of a group identified by authorities as 'Fitna-e-Hindustan', which has been connected to a series of recent attacks in the province. Read: Major martyred, three India-backed terrorists killed in Awaran IBO: ISPR Security forces launched the raid after confirming movement of terrorists in the area, they said. Weapons and a flag belonging to the group were seized from the terrorists during the raid. A clearance operation is ongoing to secure the region. 'Terrorists and facilitators of Fitna-e-Hindustan will be made an example,' said intelligence sources, referring to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. Earlier, in Kalat district, at least three passengers were killed and seven injured after a passenger coach travelling from Karachi to Quetta came under fire near Niemurgh Cross. In another attack Terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan abducted and executed nine passengers after removing them from buses in Loralai district.
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Speaker pays tribute to forces for successful operation in Awaran
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operation against terrorists in Awaran. He commended the bravery, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the armed forces in safeguarding the sovereignty and stability of Pakistan. While expressing profound grief, the speaker conveyed his heartfelt condolences over the martyrdom of Major Syed Rab Nawaz Tariq during the operation. He lauded the courage and heroism of the martyred officer, stating that Major Rab Nawaz's sacrifice is a symbol of unmatched valour and patriotism. Speaker Sadiq strongly condemned the activities of India-backed terrorist networks operating in Balochistan. He also said that 'Fitna Al-Hindustan' will meet a disgraceful end. He said that the sacrifices of the brave soldiers of Pakistan's security forces will not go in vain. He reiterated that the entire nation takes immense pride in its valiant officers and troops who continue to lay down their lives for the defence of the motherland. He also commended the professional conduct of the security forces during the counterterrorism operation, Speaker Sadiq expressed full support and solidarity with the Armed forces in their mission to root out terrorism. He also expressed his deepest sympathies with the bereaved family of Shaheed Major Syed Rab Nawaz Tariq. He prayed for the elevation of the martyr's ranks in the hereafter and for patience and strength for the grieving family to bear this irreparable loss. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Three dead in gun attack on bus carrying Qawwali ensemble
Listen to article At least three people were martyred, while seven others sustained injuries in a deadly gun attack on a passenger coach near Niemurgh Cross in the Kalat district of Balochistan on Wednesday, local officials and the provincial government spokesperson confirmed. The deceased, all belonging to a Qawwali group from Karachi were heading to the Balochistan capital to perform in an event there. The provincial government officials accused the Fitna al-Hindustan — the Indian proxy insurgents — for the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians. Elsewhere in the province, a security force officer was martyred, while three Indian proxy terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Awaran district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release. The bus attack came after last week's similar assault in the Loralai district, in which nine passengers were abducted and shot dead after their identity check by terrorists. That attack was claimed by an India-backed Baloch terrorist outfit. The officials said that the passenger bus came under fire from unidentified armed men, while it was traveling from Karachi to Quetta, adding that the police and rescue teams responded immediately, and shifted the victims to a hospital and began search operations for the perpetrators. "The injured are being provided medical assistance at the DHQ [District Headquarters] Hospital in Kalat," Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said in a statement. "Security personnel are present at the location, and investigation is in progress," he added. Though there was no immediate confirmation of the identities of the victims from the Balochistan government officials, sources in Karachi said that they were part of the 15-member group, and were travelling to Quetta for a Qawwali performance. The sources said that the victims belonged to the Majid Ali Sabri group, based in Karachi's Pir Illahi Bux Colony. In a social media post, a group member, Nadeem, was heard saying that the attack happened when they were about 45 minutes of drive away from their destination. The man was heard as saying that three members of the group had died because of the firing and many others were injured. "What was our fault? We are the people who perform Qawwali and recite Naat Sharif," the man said in the viral video. It is learnt that Majid Ali Sabri group were not related to famous Sabri Brothers — Ghulam Farid Sabri and Maqbool Sabri. Talha Sabri, son of Ghulam Farid Sabri and younger brother another famous Qawwal of the family, Amjad Sabri, said that the victims were not related the Sabri Qawwal family. "Majid Ali and Nadeem Ali, who are the victims of the tragic incident, belong to a Qawwal family. We pray for Allah's mercy on those, who died in the tragedy and the quick recovery of those who sustained injuries," Talha Sabri told The Express Tribune. The motive behind the Kalat assault remains unclear, but Balochistan has been gripped by a deadly violence, being carried out by insurgent groups, which are supported by the India. Last week, Fitna-e-Hindustan terrorists killed at least nine bus passengers after checking their identities in Loralai. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti accused the Fitna-e-Hindustan for the cowardly attack on the innocent civilians. "The attack on a passenger coach in Kalat is a cowardly and despicable act of terrorism. The loss of precious lives is an irreparable loss," he said in a post on X. "The terrorist organizations of Fitna-al Hind, which earlier gave the impression of attacks based on identity, are now targeting civilians indiscriminately, which clearly shows that this war is against every Pakistani," he added. "We will foil it at all costs!" Condemnations pour in President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed their deep sorrow over the martyrdom of innocent civilians. The president said that terrorists wanted to disrupt peace and stability in the province because they were the enemies of humanity. "The terrorists who harm the lives and property of innocent and unarmed civilians will have to pay a very heavy price," The Prime Minister Office Media Wing quoted Prime Minister Shehbaz in a press release, as saying The president and the prime minister reaffirmed that the government and the security forces were fully determined to eliminate terrorism from the country. "With the support of the nation, we will eradicate the cancer of terrorism from the country," Zardari said, according to President Secretariat Press Wing. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack by Fitna-ul-Hindustan terrorists on a passenger bus. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also condemned the terrorist attack, terming it "a very barbaric act". Awaran IBO Meanwhile, the ISPR, the media wing of the military, said in a press release that an officer was martyred, while three Indian proxy terrorists were killed in an IBO, which was carried out in the Awaran district on the reported presence of the terrorists, belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna al Hindustan. "During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorist location and resultantly, three Indian sponsored terrorists were sent to hell," it said. "However, during the intense fire exchange, Major Syed Rabnawaz Tariq (age: 34 years, resident of District Muzafarabad), a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, fought gallantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice," it added. The ISPR said that sanitisation operation was being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area, as "the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian Sponsored Terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve". (WITH INPUT FROM OUR KARACHI CORRESPONDENT AFTAB KHAN)
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
3 killed, 7 injured as passenger bus comes under fire in Balochistan's Kalat
At least three people were killed and seven others injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a passenger bus traveling from Karachi to Quetta in the Kalat district of Balochistan, a government spokesperson said Wednesday. According to Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan government, 'Three passengers were martyred and seven others were injured in the tragic incident.' The injured were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital Kalat for treatment, where an emergency was declared. He said security forces, the district administration, and rescue teams immediately reached the site, cordoned off the area, and launched a search operation to track down the attackers. The attack was strongly condemned by Pakistani leaders, who blamed the assault on terrorist elements backed by hostile foreign forces. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in what he called a cowardly terrorist attack by 'Fitna-e-Hindustan', a term used by the government for India-backed militants operating in Balochistan. The prime minister offered prayers for the martyrs and wished a swift recovery for the injured. He directed authorities to provide immediate medical assistance to the wounded and vowed a strong response. 'The terrorists who targeted innocent and unarmed civilians will pay a very heavy price,' he said. 'The government and security forces are fully determined to eradicate terrorism from the country.' Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack and described the targeting of innocent passengers as a 'cowardly act.' He said such attacks are part of a wider conspiracy to destabilize the country, adding, 'With the nation's support, we will foil the plots of these Indian-sponsored terrorists.' Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called the attack 'barbaric,' stressing that such elements must be eliminated to ensure peace and progress. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman also denounced the assault, terming it a 'heinous crime.' She urged the government to take 'decisive and robust action' against the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
Express Tribune
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM Bugti calls for correction of misleading Balochistan narrative nationally, globally
Listen to article Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has noted that the narrative being promoted at both national and international levels regarding province is often inconsistent with facts and requires correction to reflect a balanced and accurate perspective. He urged human rights organisations to develop an impartial and fact-based understanding of Balochistan's history, current realities, and overall situation. Chief Minister Bugti shared these views during a meeting with a delegation from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Quetta on Saturday. The meeting involved detailed discussions on law and order, the human rights situation, and the province's social development initiatives. Bugti clarified that the accession of the State of Kalat to Pakistan was the result of a mutual agreement, not coercion. He alleged that certain groups deliberately distort historical facts to mislead those unfamiliar with the region's true history. Read More: Terrorists slaughter nine passengers Referring to recent terrorist incidents, he strongly condemned the targeted killings of innocent passengers based on their identity, describing it as part of a broader agenda orchestrated by hostile foreign powers, particularly India. He emphasised that these terrorist acts have nothing to do with a legitimate struggle for rights, but rather form part of an organised attempt to destabilise and divide Pakistan. 'What kind of rights movement involves killing people based on their ethnic identity?' the chief minister asked, questioning the legitimacy of such violent actions. Bugti further stated that the elements behind such attacks reject dialogue and openly speak about dividing Pakistan — a mindset, he stressed, that is unacceptable in any civilised state or society. He reiterated that the state has a constitutional and legal responsibility to protect the lives and property of its citizens, and this obligation will be fulfilled under all circumstances. A day earlier, terrorists belonging to the Fitna al-Hindustan on Thursday killed at least nine passengers after abducting them from buses in the Loralai district of Balochistan, a district administration official and the provincial government spokesperson said. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that the terrorists, who carried out this gruesome attack belonged to the "Fitna-al-Hindustan". The term refers to India-funded terrorist organisations operating in Balochistan. Also Read: Seven 'India-backed terrorists' killed in Balochistan On the issue of missing persons, Bugti acknowledged the seriousness of the matter but noted that it is not exclusive to Balochistan — similar cases occur in other provinces of Pakistan and globally. However, he expressed concern that in Pakistan, there is a tendency to blame state institutions without presenting solid evidence. He pointed out that in several verified cases, individuals initially labelled as 'missing' were later found to be involved in serious terrorist activities.
