Pakistani security forces killed 22 more militants during ongoing counter-terrorism operations, security sources confirmed on Monday. The three-day death toll has now reached 177 militants across Balochistan.
Joint teams comprising security forces, intelligence agencies, and police continue coordinated operations in multiple districts. Officials say the crackdown targets terrorist networks and their facilitators. Authorities have tightened security cordons and expanded search operations.
Security sources said the campaign focuses on militants linked to the India-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan network. Officials expect further militant losses as operations progress.
The updated figures follow Sunday’s statement by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who confirmed that more than 150 militants had already been neutralised.
The operations follow a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out on Saturday. Militants struck 12 towns across Balochistan. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army targeted civilians and security personnel.
Read: Balochistan Attacks Foiled: 10 Martyred, 58 Militants Killed
The attacks hit Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the attacks killed 31 civilians and 17 security personnel. He shared the figures during an interview on Geo News.
Bugti rejected claims that thousands of attackers were involved. He said intelligence estimates placed the number between 200 and 250. Security forces have since killed or driven out most of them.
The chief minister said the situation required a firm security response. He stressed that the issue was not political. He estimated the broader militant ecosystem in Balochistan at 4,000 to 5,000 individuals, including facilitators and sympathisers.
Bugti accused hostile elements of operating with Indian backing. He ruled out negotiations with unregistered militant groups, including the BLA.
Bugti said militants deliberately blend into civilian populations. This tactic complicates counter-terrorism efforts. He noted that security forces avoided heavy weapons to prevent civilian casualties.
He added that intelligence reports confirmed the involvement of Afghan nationals. Authorities also recovered sophisticated weapons during the operations.
