Deadly Gun and Bomb Attacks Rock Pakistan’s Balochistan, Scores Killed
A wave of coordinated gun and bomb attacks across Pakistan’s south-western Balochistan province has left at least 18 civilians and 15 security personnel dead, according to the Pakistani military.
In a statement on Saturday, the military said security forces responding to the attacks killed at least 92 assailants. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist rebel group, claimed responsibility for the violence, alleging that dozens of soldiers were killed—claims not independently verified.
The escalation marks one of the deadliest days of violence in the impoverished province in recent years, as Pakistan continues to battle a long-running ethnic insurgency.
Multiple Attacks Across the Province
The military said the attacks targeted civilians and security installations in and around the provincial capital Quetta, as well as other towns.
Grenade explosions and gun assaults were reported in at least 12 cities and towns, hitting police stations, paramilitary facilities, prisons and government buildings.
Authorities sealed off key roads and administrative areas in Quetta, while mobile phone services were jammed and regional train operations suspended amid the security clampdown.
Pakistan Accuses India
Following the attacks, Pakistan accused India of backing the BLA, an allegation New Delhi has repeatedly denied.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the military’s response and vowed to continue counter-terrorism operations.
“We will continue the war against terrorism until its complete eradication,” Sharif said.
Background to the Insurgency
The BLA accuses Pakistan’s federal government of exploiting Balochistan’s vast natural resources, including gas and minerals, without benefiting the local population.
Human rights activists in the region have also accused Pakistani security forces of enforced disappearances, allegations the government has consistently denied.
Balochistan covers about 44% of Pakistan’s landmass but is home to only around 5% of its population. The province shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan and has a strategic coastline along the Arabian Sea.
An armed separatist movement seeking greater autonomy—or independence for the Baloch people—dates back to 1948, shortly after Pakistan gained independence from British rule.
