Security forces rescued 23 abductees and killed five terrorists during an operation near Kalat after militants allegedly attempted to establish a checkpoint along the Chaman-Karachi N-25 highway, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operation took place during the night of September 18-19, with authorities saying the group was attempting to disrupt civilian movement and carry out abductions for ransom, extortion and vehicle snatching.
According to the military’s media wing, the security forces responded after terrorists attempted to establish the checkpoint along the national highway near Kalat in Balochistan. An intense exchange of fire followed, during which five terrorists were killed.
ISPR identified the militants as members of what the Pakistani authorities refer to as Fitna al-Hindustan, and described the group as an Indian-sponsored proxy. The allegation of Indian sponsorship was presented by Pakistani authorities; it was not independently established in the military statement.
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The operation also led to the recovery of 23 people who had been held at the militants’ hideout, according to ISPR. Security forces additionally recovered six trucks, three buses and two cars from the site.
A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered, the military said.
The N-25, which connects Karachi and Chaman, is an important highway for civilian and commercial movement through Balochistan. The attempted establishment of a checkpoint, according to ISPR, was intended to facilitate kidnappings for ransom, extortion and vehicle theft.
Following the operation, sanitisation activities continued in surrounding areas, with security forces searching for any remaining militants and working to secure the highway and nearby communities.
The military said the operation was part of the continuing counter-terrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam, which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari separately praised the security forces for the operation.
According to state-run media reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz commended the forces for what he described as timely and effective action, particularly the recovery of the 23 abducted people and the seizure of vehicles, weapons and explosives. President Zardari also praised the operation and the recovery of the abductees.
The Kalat operation comes amid continued security challenges in Balochistan. According to a monthly assessment cited by Dawn from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, reported terrorist attacks in the province increased from 83 in July to 89 in August, a rise of about 7 per cent.
Security forces have reported several counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan in recent weeks. Earlier operations included actions in Kalat, Kharan, Washuk, Chagai and Awaran, according to Pakistani military and state-media reports.
The latest operation underscores the continuing security challenge surrounding major highways in Balochistan, where attacks, road blockades and attempts to target civilian and commercial movement have remained a concern.
For authorities, securing major transport routes is particularly important because highways such as the N-25 serve as vital links for people, goods and vehicles travelling between Karachi, Quetta and areas toward the Afghan border.
The military said sanitisation operations would continue until the surrounding areas were cleared of any remaining threats. It also reiterated that security forces and law-enforcement agencies would continue counter-terrorism operations against what authorities describe as foreign-supported militant networks.
