Security officials said the militants struck targets in Quetta, Pasni, Mastung, Nushki and Gwadar during the early hours of the day. In the provincial capital Quetta, at least four policemen were killed in separate incidents. Authorities are yet to clarify whether these deaths are included in the overall toll of 10 security personnel.
A senior official confirmed that the Deputy Commissioner of Nushki district was abducted during the attacks, triggering an extensive search operation. The BLA later claimed responsibility, stating that its fighters targeted military installations, police units and civil administration officials as part of a coordinated offensive.
Residents in Quetta reported hearing multiple explosions throughout the morning. An AFP journalist in the city said heavy security deployment emptied major roads, while most shops and markets remained shut. “There have been continuous explosions since morning,” said Abdul Wali, a local resident whose family member was hospitalised. He described severe movement restrictions imposed by security forces amid the operations.
The BLA also released videos on social media claiming its fighters briefly took control of a market area in Quetta. Pakistani security agencies have not officially confirmed the claim but said operations were underway to secure sensitive locations and restore order.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said the attacks were foiled due to a swift response by security forces. In a social media statement, he praised the forces and paid tribute to those killed, asserting that the fight against terrorism would continue. Sharif also alleged India’s involvement in the attacks, a claim New Delhi has not responded to at the time of filing this report.
The violence comes a day after the Pakistani army said it had killed 41 insurgents in two separate counterterrorism operations in Balochistan. The province, Pakistan’s poorest despite its vast mineral resources, has long been plagued by insurgency and political unrest.
Balochistan borders Afghanistan and Iran and has seen frequent attacks on security forces, infrastructure projects and foreign interests. The BLA, one of the most active separatist groups in the region, says it is fighting for Balochistan’s independence, alleging exploitation of local resources and political marginalisation.
According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, Pakistan ranks as the world’s second most terror-affected country, with Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounting for the majority of incidents. Saturday’s attacks underscore the continuing security challenges facing the country as insurgent violence intensifies.
