ecurity forces continue their efforts to uproot the menace of terrorism in the country, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During 2024, at least 685 security forces personnel lost their lives in 444 terrorist attacks.

On January 30, at least 18 security personnel were martyred in Balochistan’s Kalat district.

The pre-dawn attack lasted about an hour. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, “terrorists attempted to establish road blocks in Mangocher area of Kalat district. [At the] behest of inimical and hostile forces, this act of terrorism was aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment of Balochistan by targeting mainly the innocent civilians”.

“Security forces and law-enforcement personnel were immediately mobilized, They successfully thwarted the evil design of terrorists and killed 12 terrorists. During the conduct of operations, 18 soldiers, having fought gallantly, made the the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.”

As per reports from Kalat, more than 100 armed men had blocked the National Highway in Mangocher area, some 140 kilometers south of the provincial capital.

Following the attack, Army Chief Gen Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited Quetta and enquired about the health of the injured. Gen Munir said that the armed forces would hunt down those attacking the state.

Following the Kalat attack, Army Chief Gen Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited Quetta and enquired about the health of the injured. Gen Munir vowed that the armed forces would hunt down those attacking the state.

The army chief received a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing security situation in the province that was also attended by senior security and intelligence officials. “The COAS said that the terrorist proxies of their foreign masters will be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its armed forces. For the defence of our motherland and its people, we will definitely retaliate and ‘hunt you down’, whenever required and wherever you may be,” he said.

The COAS lauded the efforts of military, paramilitary and law enforcement personnel for their “courage and determination” to combat terrorism and reassured them of the army’s resolve to ensure the security and well-being of the people of Balochistan.

The army chief also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting the provincial government in its efforts to promote peace, stability and development in the region. The ISPR said he and the Balochistan governor and chief minister also joined funeral prayers for the martyrs and visited injured soldiers at the Combined Military Hospital Quetta where Gen Munir praised the troops for their unwavering commitment to defending the country.

The recent terrorist attacks mark the latest challenge for the Balochistan government.

The Balochistan Assembly adopted a condemnation resolution following the Kalat incident. The legislators denounced the latest act of terrorism and demanded restoration of peace in the province.

On the same evening, the Balochistan government, in a law-and-order meeting, resolved to take decisive action against the terrorists to combat terrorism.

The government faces a surge in strikes by separatist militants since Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti assumed the office in March last year.

Unfortunately, terrorist attacks have become routine in Quetta. In 2025 alone, there have been more than 40 incidents of terrorism. These have claimed the lives of 25 people.

Public weariness with the official narrative is growing. The increase in violence has shown that the government’s security strategy needs revisiting.

Due to the worsening law and order situation, business activities have slumped in Quetta. “Our business has collapsed due to lawlessness in Quetta. The government is oblivious about the gravity of the situation,” says a trader.

On February 3, a police officer assigned to protect health workers during polio vaccination campaign was shot and killed in Jamrud, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

On February 6, three policemen were killed and six others injured as gunmen attacked a police check post in Karak district. The attack took place in Bahadur Khel area, where terrorists opened fire on the police post using heavy weapons. After facing resistance from security personnel, the attackers fled. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the attack and offered condolences to the families of the fallen officers.

The writer is the bureau chief of Geo News, Quetta. He tweets @ejazkan