Security forces launch operation in Mastung; 25 detained

E-Paper | March 16, 2026

QUETTA: Security forces detained at least 25 suspected individuals during a full scale operation in Mastung's Kanak and Derringer areas on Friday, DawnNews reported.

The operation was launched Friday morning by security forces which included personnel from the Frontier Corps, police, the Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) and Levies and recruits from Balochistan Constabulary.

The forces are also being assisted by helicopters and armoured personnel carriers.

Meanwhile, the entry and exit points of Kanak and Derringer were sealed shortly before the search operation went underway.

The operation began hours after the Shia Hazara community agreed to end its protest sit-in after Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan assured them that strict action would be taken against elements who carried out the Mastung bomb attack on pilgrims which left at least 25 Hazara people dead.

Hundreds of Hazara men, women and children had held a protest sit-in in Quetta's Shuhada chowk for about 48 hours in extremely cold weather with sub-zero temperatures at night on Sunday.

Sit-ins and demonstrations had also been held in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi.

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Karrar Hussain

Jan 24, 2014 10:07am

Too little, too late!

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jamki

Jan 24, 2014 10:07am

Had it been done long ago many innocent lives could have been saved. It is good news that law enforcement agencies have paid attention to grave issue. I think this is time to "PAK" the land from terrorists and let peace sing song again

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Najma

Jan 24, 2014 10:21am

@Karrar Hussain: All facade to cover up the incompetency. Suspend all religious activities for 5 years. No exception for anyone.

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farina

Jan 24, 2014 10:38am

We as a nation stand by our forces against these terrorists and pray that our forces succeed in getting rid of this menace, inshaAaalh and wish that the supporters of the terrorists are doomed to disaster.The political parties that support the talibans have disappointed the nation and should be trialed and tested too as they are equally responsible for the bloodshed of the innocent Pakistanis, be they civilians or the army jawans.

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lalai

Jan 24, 2014 12:31pm

And only a fool would believe that terrorists with such expertise are still waiting to be killed.

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Aliken

Jan 24, 2014 01:28pm

@Najma: This is true; suspend all the religious activities for atleast 5 years, absolutely no one should allowed to gather anywhere in mass or any religious rally wether it's millad un nabi, Muharram or any other sahaba(p b u them).

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benz1

Jan 24, 2014 03:11pm

@ najma! how do u relate ban on religious activities with military action? there is no correlation whatsoever... by your theory, people should just give up religion and that is violation of a fundamental human right - to stop someone from practicing any religion or no religion, for that matter! you are none other than another Taliban lover in disguise of a liberal, waiting for all sane voices to be curbed so that only Taliban roam around in the streets! let me make it clear to you and others like you that Taliban are far from both religion and humanity and its not religious processions which are a threat to the peace, its your coward Taliban in their hideouts and their masters in our state institutions who are the real danger!

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Farhan

Jan 24, 2014 04:15pm

For sure, nothing will come out of any such action. These elements have many powerful links which even our forces can simply not dismantle. Sorry, but I have lost faith on all our so-called security providers in this country. No one is doing their job well-enough to be given a big thumbs up!!!

Recommend 0

Jan 24, 2014 08:03pm

There is a saying in urdu " Ab kiya pachtaana howat, jub chirian chig gayien saa khayt ". The perpetrators would have long vanished from the scene of crime, one can only hope the operation is not a Topi Drama and this time - roots out the culprits by force.

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anonymous

Jan 24, 2014 11:35pm

Culprits who are behind these bombing have left the area long back & everyone know who they are. No doubt Pakistan forces n army are helping them without their help how did they enter the area with check posts present every 2kms. Detained innocent Baloch people to show they are doing a great job. Too late I guess by now everyone understand what's going on ...

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khurram

Jan 25, 2014 12:09am

suspending religious activities and gathering won't do any thing. use force to Crush talbis and other gangsters and things will be fine. no where in the world this BS is going on but unfortunately we have to face the music and we better use all force to crush them. can't negotiate if state failing (examples will include srilanka tamil tigers, golden temple etc).

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Haider

Jan 25, 2014 12:47am

@Najma: curtail my religious freedom because the lawmakers, police, army and politicians are unable to contain a group of terrorist who indiscriminately kill men, women and children alike.

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