ADC killed, govt offices, bank burnt in Surab militant attack

QUETTA: Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Hidayatullah Buledi was killed in a militant attack on his residence in Surab, Balochistan, as dozens of armed men stormed the town, setting fire to government offices, a police station, and looting a bank.

Government Spokesman Shahid Rind confirmed that the senior administrative officer was martyred while resisting the attackers. “Mr Buledi was killed in an exchange of fire with armed militants at his home, where his family was also present during the assault,” Rind said.

The assailants, reportedly in large numbers, looted and torched a local bank and at least six government offices, including official residences. The Surab police station and levies post were also set ablaze, and four law enforcement vehicles were destroyed.

“This attack was carried out by proxies backed by India,” Shahid Rind alleged, adding that security forces had reached the area and launched a clearance operation. “The state will thwart all such conspiracies and uphold its authority,” he added. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif issued a strong condemnation of the attack, describing it as a cowardly act of terrorism targeting innocent civilians, administrative officers, and public property.

In a statement, the prime minister paid tribute to the bravery of ADC Hidayatullah Buledi, calling his sacrifice a symbol of courage and resistance. He expressed deep sympathy with the family of the slain officer and prayed for their strength and patience.

“The terrorists deliberately targeted unarmed civilians, including women and children,” the prime minister noted, adding that such acts reflect a deep-seated hostility towards the people and progress of Balochistan.

Reaffirming the state’s commitment to combating terrorism, the prime minister vowed that the fight would continue until all such elements were eliminated. He emphasised that the armed forces are working tirelessly to dismantle terror networks operating under foreign patronage.

He further directed authorities to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly, ensuring that they face the full force of the law.