Interior minister holds India responsible for recent attacks in Balochistan

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday held India responsible for a series of coordinated attacks in Balochistan, alleging that New Delhi was involved in planning the incidents alongside militant groups.

Speaking to the media, Naqvi said the attackers were not “ordinary terrorists” and claimed that India had planned the assaults in collaboration with militant elements. He added that Pakistan would pursue the matter at relevant forums.

Earlier, state media reported that security forces killed at least 67 terrorists in ongoing operations launched after multiple attacks at different locations across Balochistan were foiled. According to security sources, the attacks were carried out at 12 locations and were thwarted due to what they described as timely and effective action by law enforcement agencies.

State-run PTV News, citing security sources, said the number of terrorists killed in operations since Saturday morning had reached 67. The sources added that 41 militants were killed in Panjgur and the Shaban area of Harnai district over the past two days, bringing the total number of terrorists killed across the province to 108.

Security sources further said that 10 police and security personnel were killed during the operations. They also reported that 11 civilians, including five men, three women and three children, were killed in an attack in Gwadar. According to the sources, all militants involved in the Gwadar incident were subsequently killed.

The government has designated certain Balochistan-based militant groups as “Fitna-al-Hindustan”, a term officials say reflects India’s alleged involvement in destabilisation efforts in Pakistan. India has previously denied allegations of supporting militant activities in the country.

Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said in a post on X that security forces had killed around 70 terrorists across various parts of the province over the past two days. He said further operations were underway and vowed to continue action against militant elements.

In the aftermath of the attacks, mobile phone data services were suspended in Quetta, Sibi and Chaman, while voice services remained operational, according to local reports.