Quetta was once again shaken by violence on Thursday. A police van came under a terrorist attack in Balochistan, leaving three officers martyred and one wounded. The incident occurred near Mastung Road, in the jurisdiction of the New Sariab Police Station.
According to police sources, the mobile unit from New Sariab was ambushed while on duty. The assailants opened indiscriminate fire and managed to flee the scene immediately after the attack. This terrorist attack in Balochistan has left the law enforcement community in mourning.
The fallen heroes have been identified as Sub-Inspector Abdul Wali, Constable Abdul Rehman, and Constable Mukhtiar. The driver of the police van, Kher Baksh, was injured in the ambush. He was taken to a nearby hospital and is now receiving treatment.
Police launched a full-scale search operation soon after the incident. Investigations are also underway to trace the perpetrators. Officials have vowed to bring the attackers to justice. The terrorist attack in Balochistan has added to the growing wave of violence in the province.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the assault. He called it a cowardly and shameful act by terrorists. “The state is not weak,” he stated. “We will eliminate these elements with full force. The fight against terrorism will not stop until the last terrorist is taken to justice.”
This tragic event comes just days after security forces killed two terrorists in Kech district. The operation took place in Buleda, based on intelligence reports about the presence of militants. According to ISPR, the terrorists killed in that encounter were behind several deadly attacks on both civilians and security forces.
The security landscape in Pakistan has grown more volatile. The number of attacks has surged, especially since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. Border provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have seen the highest rise in violence.
Recent figures from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reveal alarming trends. In January 2025, Pakistan witnessed a 42% jump in terrorist incidents compared to December. A total of 74 militant attacks were reported, resulting in 91 deaths. Among the dead were 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 individuals were injured, including 53 from security forces and 54 civilians.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw the worst violence, followed by Balochistan. Militants carried out 27 strikes in KP’s settled districts. These resulted in 19 deaths—11 security officials, six civilians, and two attackers.
The deadly terrorist attack in Balochistan once again highlights the need for a robust and united response. As Pakistan continues to battle militancy, the sacrifice of brave law enforcers must not go in vain.
