QUETTA: Pakistan’s security forces have killed four more suspected militants during the ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, according to security sources.
The operation, being carried out jointly by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan, and police against militants, remains underway in different parts of the province.
Security sources said the latest operation resulted in the killing of four additional militants, bringing the total number of militants killed during Operation Shaban to 71. They added that since 5 July, a total of 109 militants have been killed in security operations conducted across the province.
Meanwhile, protests by the families of police personnel killed in recent terrorist attacks continue in Quetta and Ziarat.
According to reports, two rounds of negotiations have taken place between a government delegation and the protesters, but the talks have failed to produce a breakthrough. The demonstrators are demanding the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the terrorist attack in Ziarat. Despite assurances from the government delegation, the protesters have refused to end their sit-in.
Officials said the bodies of eight police personnel remain in a container near the protest site, while the remaining officers who lost their lives have already been laid to rest in Ziarat and Sanjavi.
The demonstrations follow the deadly terrorist attack that occurred on 7 July in the Mangi area of Ziarat district, where 30 police personnel were killed.
The attack was among the deadliest incidents targeting law enforcement personnel in the province in recent years and prompted security forces to intensify counterterrorism operations across Balochistan.
Authorities say Operation Shaban is aimed at dismantling militant networks, eliminating armed groups involved in attacks on civilians and security personnel, and restoring peace and stability in the region.
The security situation in Balochistan has remained a major concern, with periodic attacks on security forces, government installations, and civilians. In response, law enforcement agencies have continued intelligence-based operations in coordination with the military to target suspected militant hideouts.
While security officials have highlighted the increasing number of militants killed during the operation, they have also emphasized that efforts will continue until militant networks operating in the province are dismantled.
The protest by the families of the slain police personnel underscores growing calls for accountability and a transparent investigation into the Ziarat attack. Protest leaders maintain that an independent judicial inquiry is necessary to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Authorities have not announced a timeline for the conclusion of Operation Shaban, saying operations will continue based on intelligence and operational requirements. Security officials reiterated their commitment to pursuing militants and maintaining law and order across Balochistan while expressing support for the families of the police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
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