Addressing a press conference at his office on Thursday, he acknowledged that the people had faced difficulties due to security checks, checkpoints and other restrictions in previous months due to security threats.

However, he expressed confidence that the security situation would improve further in the coming days, and welcomed constructive criticism of the department, saying that it would help them identify shortcomings and improve their performance.

He also announced that citizens would no longer have to face unnecessary difficulties in getting their cases registered as an audio recording system had been installed at police stations to record interactions with complainants.

Audio recording system installed at police stations to record interactions with complainants

Police are protectors and public servants, he said, adding that officers and personnel received their salaries and benefits from taxpayer money and were, therefore, accountable to the people.

He said the business community and local residents were cooperating with police to control crime and prevent criminal activities, adding that CCTV footage was being used to identify suspects and bring them to justice.

Talking about recent attacks on police stations in Bhag, Kharak and Sansar, he said that security arrangements had subsequently been strengthened in the wake of these incidents.

The provincial government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, was providing full support and resources to strengthen the force, he said, adding that steps were being taken to improve police capacity through modern weapons, vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, communication systems and other equipment.

He said police personnel were also receiving specialised training, including training for the Anti-Terrorism Force to improve their ability to tackle terrorism and organised crime.

DIG Shaukat praised his force for performing its duties on the frontline against insurgency in the province, adding that around 1,500 Balochistan Police personnel, including officers and constables, had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty while protecting the lives and property of citizens, and defending the country.

He outlined progress in various cases, such as the murder of businessman Hashim Noorzai, the Sariab bank robbery, as well as the acid attack on a doctor.

The official also disclosed that a security application had been introduced for banks to improve coordination and ensure timely reporting of suspicious activities.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2026

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, directed the Director General of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (Bepa), Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa), and the Quetta Administrator to submit detailed reports before the next hearing.

The court observed that untreated wastewater could contain hazardous substances, including arsenic, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants, which may enter agricultural produce and cause serious health complications.

To ensure a comprehensive examination of the matter, the bench directed the petitioner’s counsel to implead the Director General of the Balochistan Food Authority as a respondent in the case. The court directed authorities to explain the situation and provide details of the measures taken to stop the use of untreated wastewater for irrigation. They were also asked to outline existing arrangements for wastewater treatment and safe disposal.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2026

Held under the chairmanship of the Balochistan chief minister, the 29th meeting of the Hardening of the State Conference reaffirmed the commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous future for the province.

Representatives from federal and provincial institutions, relevant government departments, and security forces attended the meeting to review the overall security situation and ongoing development projects.

The participants emphasised intensifying efforts to curb smuggling, drug trafficking, poppy cultivation, and other illegal activities. They also expressed satisfaction with the progress in converting B-areas into A-areas, reaffirming their commitment to making the process more effective across all divisions of Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2026

Sources said that the patient with a history of dog bite developed rabies despite getting the vaccine in Jhal Magsi district. He was later taken to a Larkana hospital from where he was referred to the JPMC.

“He reported to us four days back with high fever, hydrophobia and irritability — classic, hallmark clinical symptoms of encephalitic rabies,” a senior JPMC doctor shared, adding that he had injuries on the orbital region, the area surrounding the eye.

“The kind of injuries he had required immediate administration of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), a life-saving medication that’s used alongside the [rabies] vaccine to prevent infection following potential exposure, such as a bite or scratch from a [rabid] animal,” he explained.

The doctor added that the boy developed rabies because he could not get the critical RIG shot and adequate doses of rabies vaccine.

Recently, a six-year-old boy from Badin died of rabies at Liaquat University Hospital (LUH) despite having been given RIG and rabies vaccine, bringing the number of rabies deaths in Sindh to 43 so far.

The boy had been given a single dose of RIG and, reportedly, three doses of the vaccine at a hospital in Golarchi.

The case raised questions about the vaccine quality and the training of staff managing post-exposure treatment.

A large number of rabies cases, experts say, go unreported as patients use home remedies or turn to faith healers for “treatment”.

They emphasised the need for public awareness, humane control of the dog population and the availability of appropriate treatment in hospitals.

While dog bites account for the majority of rabies cases, bites from potentially rabid wild animals can also transmit the virus.

After exposure, early wound cleansing, timely rabies vaccination and the administration of rabies immunoglobulin, if needed, can effectively prevent the disease, which is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms appear.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026

He expressed these concerns while chairing the third Senate meeting of the Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Khuzdar.

The governor stressed the need for a comprehensive and attract­ive strategy to retain existing PhD scholars and senior professors while attracting new academics and researchers to public-sector universities across the province.

He said effective measures were urgently required to prevent the loss of experienced faculty members and strengthen academic and research capabilities. Retaining qualified scholars, he added, was essential for improving university performance and equipping students with modern knowledge and research skills.

Notes more than 100 scholars have already left Balochistan

While appreciating the efforts of Vice Chancellor Prof Maqsood Ahmed and his team, Mr Mandokhail observed that much remained to be done to improve the higher education sector.

He also emphasised that the establishment of new universities and campuses should be based on local needs and ground realities rather than individual preferences. He called for a review of existing campuses to determine whether they should be retained, merged or closed through informed policy decisions.

Pointing out an imbalance in faculty distribution, the governor said some modern academic disciplines faced a serious shortage of senior faculty members, while certain traditional departments had more staff than required in relation to student enrolment. He called for better human resource planning and balanced faculty distribution.

He said improving higher education required effective policymaking, prudent use of available resources and continuous improvement in academic and research standards.

The meeting was attended by Justice Najamuddin Mengal of Balochistan High Court, Opposition Leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri, Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani and others.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026

The cold front sent residents rushing to local markets to buy warm clothing as showers fell across Quetta, Kolpur, Harnai, Chagai and Dalbandin.

The sudden drop in temperatures in the provincial capital and northern districts compounded existing hardships for households already enduring low gas pressure and frequent load-shedding.

With piped natural gas largely unavailable, families turning to liquefied petroleum gas as an alternative fuel face steep financial hurdles. The consumers struggle to secure LPG at government-regulated rates, with local shopkeepers reportedly charging arbitrary prices ranging between Rs550 and Rs600 per kg.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026

Following a request from Mr Bugti, the Punjab chief minister issued directives to the relevant authorities to provide institutional support and assistance to strengthen the Balochistan Safe City Authority.

Under the proposed joint venture between the Safe City authorities of the two provinces, both sides will work together to improve security monitoring systems, provide technical assistance, build staff capacity and facilitate the exchange of expertise and experience.

The development was discussed at a meeting of the Balochistan Safe City Authority, chaired by Mr Bugti. Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat briefed the meeting on ongoing projects and their progress, informing participants that work on Safe City projects was under way in nine cities across the province.

Punjab will provide technical assistance, staff training and expertise to Balochistan

Punjab Safe City Authority Director General Ahsan Younas said his organisation would extend technical assistance to Balochistan, including staff training, capacity building and the transfer of modern expertise to ensure the effective operation of the projects.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Bugti said Safe City projects were not merely surveillance systems but the foundation of modern security infrastructure aimed at protecting the lives and property of citizens.

‘Safe environment’

He stressed that the use of advanced technology and effective security monitoring systems was essential to maintaining law and order, preventing crime and providing a safe environment for the people of Balochistan.

The chief minister said modern surveillance systems would help monitor the movement of criminal elements, identify suspicious activities in a timely manner and improve the response of law enforcement agencies.

He thanked the Punjab chief minister and the Punjab Safe City Authority for extending cooperation and support to Balochistan, saying institutional collaboration and the exchange of experience between provinces would help achieve shared public safety objectives.

The meeting was attended by Provincial Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove, Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqaat, Inspector General of Police Muhammad Tahir Khan, Balochistan Safe City Authority Director General Muhammad Ashfaq, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Imran Zarkoon, Finance Secretary Jahangir Khan, IT Secretary Ayaz Khan Mandokhail and other senior officials.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026

An SSGC spokesperson told Dawn that the schedule covers supply to domestic consumers in Sindh and Balochistan and comes into effect immediately.

Gas availability under new schedule:

• 6:30am-9am (Breakfast)
• 12pm-2:30pm (Lunch)
• 6pm-9pm (Dinner)

The SSGC shared the schedule on its website and social media platforms, saying that it was “prioritising domestic consumers by ensuring supply during meal times”.

For the past some years, SSGC’s consumers have not been getting round-the-clock gas supply.

On Tuesday, a severe gas crisis gripped Karachi. The situation was further complicated by multiple contradictory gas supply schedules attributed to SSGC that began circulating on social media from Monday. However, the utility had not issued any clear and consolidated statement until late Tuesday evening, adding to the confusion.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Jan Muhammad Baloch, was held in Islamabad, where officials from the Planning Commission and relevant departments briefed members on projects being implemented under the Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan Package.

Senator Baloch raised concerns over the Panjgur Dam, warning that restricting the natural flow of the main river could adversely affect local communities and traditional irrigation systems.

He sought detailed reports from Suparco and Wapda, particularly on the project’s potential impact on the local population and surrounding areas.

The committee also questioned the sharp rise in the revised cost of Gish Kaur Storage Dam from Rs11bn to Rs44bn and asked the authorities to rea­ssess its financial viability and benefits for local residents.

Reviewing road infrastructure projects, officials said 86pc of the Quetta Bypass had been completed, while work on the Awaran-Hoshab Road was 64pc complete. The committee stressed the need for timely funding and completion of priority road projects, including the Karachi-Chaman Highway.

PAC voices concern

Meanwhile, the Public Accounts Committee of the Balochistan Assembly has expressed serious concern over a discrepancy of approximately Rs7.71bn between the provincial government’s financial statements and State Bank records, directing the Finance Department to establish an effective reconciliation mechanism and resolve outstanding audit objections within 45 days.

The committee meeting was chaired by PAC Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen.

During a review of the Accountant General Balochistan’s certification audit report, the committee was informed that, as of June 30, 2023, the government’s financial statements showed account balances of more than Rs23.06bn, while SBP records reflected approximately Rs15.29bn, resulting in a discrepancy of around Rs7.71bn.

Audit officials attributed the difference to poor record-keeping, unrecorded outstanding cheques and delays in reconciling accounts with SBP and NBP.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2026

Black flags were hoisted at all press clubs in the province and journalists wore black armbands and staged demonstrations to highlight growing challenges being faced by the media industry.

In Quetta, the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) organised a protest outside the Quetta Press Club, where a black flag was hoisted and a sit-in was held. A large number of journalists, lawyers and civil society representatives attended the sit-in.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2026

According to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted the IBOs on Nov 1 on the “reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Hindustan”.

The state has designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.

The statement said the first IBO was conducted in the Sanni area of Kachhi district. During the operation, “terrorists’ attempt to establish [a] road block in the city was thwarted by proactive action of security forces,“ resulting in the killing of 10 terrorists.

“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered,” it added.

Separately, security forces busted a terrorist hideout in Kharan and after an intense fire exchange, “seven Indian-sponsored khawarij were sent to hell”.

ISPR said that weapons and ammunition were also recovered during this operation. The statement added that Sepoy Hikmatullah, who was 25 years old and a resident of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district, was martyred during the IBO.

“Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorist found in the area,” it added.

ISPR said the counterterrorism campaign would continue at full pace to wipe out the “menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”.

In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for killing 17 terrorists and also paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmatullah.

“[His] sacrifice for the defence of the homeland and for peace and security will always be remembered,” the president said, extending “heartfelt” condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family.

“Operations under Azm-i-Istehkam will continue until the complete eradication of terrorism sponsored and supported from abroad,” President Zardari added.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces on the successful operations. In a post on X, the interior ministry said he also commended the professional capabilities of security forces in “thwarting the terrorists’ nefarious designs”.

He also paid tribute to the martyred soldier, saying that the “brave sons of the security forces are a source of pride for the nation”.

“The security forces remain committed to the complete eradication of Indian-sponsored terrorists,” he said.

Balochistan Health Secretary Mujeebur Rehman announced the launch, warning that more than 50 polio cases reported in Afghanistan this year had increased the risk of cross-border transmission, particularly in Chaman and Qila Abdullah.

Speaking to the media at the campaign’s inauguration in Quetta, he said more than 8,880 vaccination teams had been deployed to administer polio drops to children under five. Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Balochistan Coordinator Inamul Haq and Quetta District Health Officer Dr Aimal Mandokhail were also present.

Mr Rehman said special attention was being given to districts bordering Afghanistan and sensitive areas adjoining Punjab. He stressed that frequent movement of people between the two countries could facilitate the spread of the virus, making stronger surveillance and targeted vaccination essential.

More than 8,880 teams deployed across 31 districts

He said Balochistan had reported no polio cases in the past 24 months, while environmental samples collected last month had also tested negative. He credited the progress to the sustained efforts of health authorities and vaccination teams but cautioned against complacency.

The health secretary warned that children suffering from malnutrition and other health problems could be particularly vulnerable if the virus re-entered the province.

He directed vaccination teams to perform their duties diligently and ensure that no eligible child was missed. He also stressed the need to strengthen routine immunisation alongside special campaigns to ensure lasting protection.

Mr Rehman urged parents, teachers, religious scholars and community leaders to support the campaign and encourage families to get all children under five vaccinated.

He said eradicating polio required collective efforts by the government, health authorities, international partners and the public. He reaffirmed that all available resources would be mobilised to keep Balochistan polio-free.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

He was arrested last week after a local court cancelled his pre-arrest bail and sent him to Chaman District Jail. The court subsequently granted police his seven-day physical remand.

After completion of the remand, the court ordered his release from Chaman District Jail.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

According to the officials, unidentified armed men abducted Haider, son of Bismillah. Local residents, angered by the kidnapping attempt, exchanged fire with the abductors. The exchange of fire between the residents and the kidnappers left two people dead. They were identified as Abdul Wali and Hanifullah.

After killing the two people and abducting Haider, the armed men fled to an undisclosed location.

Police and other law-enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to recover the abducted man and arrest those involved in the incident.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026

Official sources said that a large number of Afghan nationals, driven by economic and social hardships as well as other factors in Afghanistan, fall prey to human traffickers in an attempt to travel to Iran, Turkiye and European countries via Pakistan.

An official said that security forces would continue to maintain a strict vigil and carry out operations to curb human trafficking.

He added that all the arrested Afghan nationals would be handed over to the police for further legal action.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026

The Women Entrepreneurs Expo (WEXNET) opened at the BUITEMS Expo Centre to connect local female founders directly with national and international markets. The Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade organised the event with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.

Rubaba Buledi, adviser to the Balochistan chief minister on women’s development, inaugurated the exhibition and announced plans to expand the showcase from 100 stalls to 300 in its next edition.

“The Women Development Department will play an active role in supporting women-led businesses, facilitating financial assistance and access to loans, and addressing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs,” Buledi said.

Bilal Khan Kakar, vice chairman of the provincial investment board, said the initiative has the full backing of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan to help women build commercial linkages and achieve economic self-reliance.

Shehryar Taj, secretary of the trade authority, said WEXNET has held about 12 exhibitions nationwide since 2000 to link female entrepreneurs with new buyers.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the University of Management and Technology (UMT) in Lahore on Saturday, he said, “Our loyalty to Pakistan is unconditional.” He added that the people of Balochistan were equal citizens of the country and that their genuine grievances, development needs and sense of deprivation must be properly understood and addressed.

CM Bugti said Balochistan was currently facing three major challenges: narratives seeking to justify violence, armed terrorism and attempts to influence the thinking of young people through social media.

He said certain quarters were spreading confusion and misleading narratives in the name of highlighting Balochistan’s grievances and the genuine problems of its people. He stressed that issues such as poverty, underdevelopment and deprivation should not be used to justify or support separatist violence.

The chief minister urged commentators and analysts discussing the situation in Balochistan to base their assessments on facts and avoid promoting narratives that could make violence appear acceptable.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2026

The federal government has reclassified the Quetta Cantonment Board from Class-II to Class-I and that in Punjab’s Kharian from Class-III to Class-II. The ECP has fixed the number of wards in Quetta at 10 and five in Kharian.

According to three notifications issued on Oct 29, the delimitation exercise for Quetta and Kharian will be carried out from November this year until January 2027.

Administrative arrangements, including the procurement of maps and training of committees and authorities, will be completed from Nov 2 to 4, and delimitation committees will prepare preliminary lists of wards from Nov 5 to 19, which will be published on Nov 20 to invite objections.

Objections can be filed before delimitation authorities from Nov 21 to Dec 20. The authorities will dispose of objections by Jan 5, 2027 and communicate decisions to committees by Jan 8. Final lists of wards will be published on Jan 13.

The ECP has appointed the Gujrat district election commissioner as the convener of the delimitation committee for Kharian, with the Kharian cantonment executive officer and Gujrat assistant election commissioner as members.

For Quetta, the Quetta East district election commissioner will act as convener, while the Quetta additional cantonment executive officer and Quetta East assistant election commissioner will serve as members.

The regional election commissioners for Gujranwala and Quetta have been appointed as delimitation authorities for the Kharian and Quetta cantonment boards, respectively, to decide objections.

The commission directed that officers appointed for delimitation shall not be transferred without its prior approval.

The issuance of the delimitation schedule follows the ECP’s fixation of a case on delay in the conduct of LG polls in cantonment boards across the country. The electoral body had directed its office to immediately prepare and submit a schedule for LG elections in cantonment boards for approval.

The case, initially fixed for Oct 28, could not be held and was finally fixed for Nov 10. Notices have been issued to the defence ministry secretary and the director general of the Military Lands and Cantonments Department.

In its meetings on Oct 5 and Oct 15 regarding the delay in LG polls in four provinces, Islamabad and cantonment boards, the ECP was informed that the entire delimitation process for cantonments had been completed and the commission is prepared to hold elections.

However, under Section 19D(2) of the Cantonments Act 2023, the federal government is required to submit a formal request to the ECP to hold these elections. The ECP noted that despite reminders and a letter from the chief election commissioner to the prime minister, the request has not been submitted.

The doctors were dismissed under an artificial intelligence (AI)-based attendance system introduced by the provincial government to ensure that medical staff reported for duty regularly.

According to an official notification issued by the Balochistan health secretary, the action was taken under Section 4(B)(viii) of the Balochistan Employees’ Efficiency and Disciplinary Act (BEEDA), 2011.

The notification said the medical officers (BPS-17) and senior medical officers (BPS-18) had been dismissed from service with immediate effect on account of their unauthorised absence from government duty.

The dismissal orders were issued with immediate effect, according to the notification.

The total number of employees dismissed from the Health Department has now reached 200.

Health Department officials said Rs410 million had so far been deducted from employees’ salaries over absenteeism.

The notification added that notices had been issued to 11,000 employees, seeking explanations for violations of attendance and disciplinary rules.

“Departmental action is under way against another 800 employees,” it said.

In a statement, Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said the doctors had repeatedly been issued notices directing them to report for duty, but they had failed to respond.

Their continued absence from duty and failure to respond to repeated notices had compelled the government to take action, he added.

“We have zero tolerance for absenteeism and negligence among medical staff and doctors in the performance of their official duties,” Kakar said, adding that the Health Department was making efforts to provide people with the best possible healthcare facilities at their doorsteps.

He said reforms were under way to improve the performance of the provincial Health Department on the instructions of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

He added that staff attendance at government hospitals and health centres was being monitored through an AI-based attendance system.

The chief minister emphasised that the Balochistan police would remain at the forefront of efforts to maintain peace and defeat violent elements.

He was speaking at a ceremony at the National Police Academy in Islamabad to mark the completion of training of newly appointed deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) from Balochistan.

The chief minister said the provincial government was committed to equipping the police force with modern technology, quality training and a professional environment free from political interference and undue pressure.

CM Bugti said merit had been established as the guiding principle for appointments, transfers and the assignment of professional responsibilities within the police force. He added that decisions regarding the suitability of officers for various positions should be made by the police leadership itself.

“The supremacy of merit would play a pivotal role in restoring young people’s trust in state institutions,” CM Bugti said, adding that all pillars of the state must demonstrate through practical action that young people would be recruited, promoted and entrusted with responsibilities purely on merit. This would enable them to serve according to their professional capabilities without political influence.

He said police personnel were servants of both the state and the people and must perform their duties with integrity, dignity and a strong sense of responsibility.

Referring to the extension of police jurisdiction across Balochistan following the province’s declaration as a complete “A Area”, CM Bugti said the development brought both a major responsibility and a significant opportunity.

He expressed confidence that the newly trained officers would enhance the reputation of the province and the country through their professionalism, courage and commitment to duty.

“The war against terrorism is not merely a conflict between the armed forces and terrorists. It is a fight involving the entire state and society, including civil society, police, bureaucracy, politicians and the judiciary,” he said.

He maintained that the doors of reconciliation remained open to those willing to surrender before the state and abandon violence. However, he made it clear that no group would be allowed to impose its ideology through force.

He pledged continued support from the provincial government to help the police overcome challenges, combat terrorism and crime, and maintain a conducive professional environment.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, CM Bugti distributed training completion certificates and awards among the graduating DSPs. Ms Quratul Ain, who demonstrated outstanding performance during the training, was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Friday, Mr Rishtya announced that a multi-party conference (MPC) would be convened in Quetta on

Nov 6 to decide the party’s future course of action. He said all political parties, members of the legal fraternity and traders’ associations would be formally invited to attend the conference.

Mr Rishtya reiterated that the party would not abandon the non-violent philosophy of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan) or its struggle for the rights of oppressed nations in response to such “cheap tactics”.

“The Awami National Party believes in the respect, freedom and autonomy of the judiciary and the rule of law, and our leaders have sacrificed their lives for these principles,” Mr Rishtya said.

He expressed growing concern among party workers and supporters, saying that the principles of justice and merit did not appear to have been upheld in Mr Achakzai’s case.

Highlighting Mr Achakzai’s political stature, Mr Rishtya said he had consistently worked to promote brotherhood, unity and harmony among different ethnic groups and tribes in Balochistan. He added that Mr Achakzai had often played a role in mediating and resolving longstanding tribal disputes.

He said implicating a leader of Achakzai’s stature in such a serious case reflected the government’s and local administration’s alleged malice and political victimisation, while disregarding the traditions, values and history of the province.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

A two-judge BHC bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mulakhail and Justice Muhammad Najmuddin Mengal heard a constitutional petition concerning the supply of drinking water to the three areas and the alleged monopoly of private tubewell owners over water supply. The bench expressed concern over delays by the authorities in complying with court orders.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mulakhail observed that the constitutional petition had been filed on Sept 21, 2023. Despite multiple orders and repeated directions issued by the court, the Quetta Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa) had yet to demonstrate satisfactory progress.

In response to the court’s queries, Wasa’s executive engineer said tubewells in the Karkhasa area had been made operational. He added that two water reservoirs, with capacities of 300,000 and 200,000 gallons, were available to supply drinking water to areas connected to the pipeline network.

He further informed the court that the installation of 11 tubewells in Hazarganji had been completed. However, work was disrupted following the arrest of Qesco personnel by police amid administrative and other official issues.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2026

In a statement, the chief minister said effective operations agai­nst terrorists under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 were essential to thwart the nefarious designs of elements seeking to undermine peace.

CM Bugti vowed to eliminate the atmosphere of fear and terrorism from the province, declaring that such attacks would not weaken the government’s resolve or morale.

He said terrorists aimed to deprive Baloch girls and boys of education. However, the Balochistan government would not close educational institutions under any circumstances and would continue to provide children with opportunities for education, awareness and employment.

Hails successful security operation against terrorists in Makran

The chief minister strongly condemned the tragic incident at a girls’ college in Noshki, in which three students sustained injuries.

He said he had been raising the question since the beginning: What did the terrorists actually want?

He questioned what kind of Baloch identity or traditions could justify depriving Baloch girls of education, attacking them and shooting innocent female students.

He said Baloch society took pride in its traditions, but the people of Balochistan now understood that these elements were attempting to keep girls away from education and turn them into suicide bombers.

The chief minister warned that when children were denied education, terrorists attempted to exploit them through propaganda against the state of Pakistan, making them vulnerable to recruitment and manipulation.

Strongly condemning the attack, CM Bugti assured the people of Balochistan, particularly the injured students and their parents, that the government would not relent in its pursuit of those responsible. He said security forces would track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He said terrorists would be driven out of urban centres as well as mountainous areas, and operations would continue until they were brought to justice.

He added that the government would continue providing girls with education, awareness and opportunities for advancement while focusing on employment, entrepreneurship and livelihood programmes for young people.

The chief minister said Balochistan’s youth would remain at the centre of all government initiatives, including the provincial youth policy.

He said effective operations under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 were essential to thwart the nefarious designs of elements seeking to undermine peace, adding that the killing of a terrorist during an intelligence-based operation in the area was a significant achievement for the security forces.

He praised the security forces for their services in maintaining law and order in Balochistan and protecting the lives and property of the people. CM Bugti said operations against terrorists and their facilitators would continue with full force.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2026

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that on October 26, security forces conducted IBOs in the districts on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan.

The state has designated Balochistan-based terrorist groups as Fitna al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.

In the first operation in Kachhi, a terrorist hideout was destroyed and seven terrorists were eliminated in an exchange of fire.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, the statement added.

In Wadh, security forces “tracked and intercepted terrorist movement” and killed two terrorists in an exchange of fire.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, the statement added.

“Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other India-sponsored terrorist found in the area,” the statement read, adding that a relentless counterterrorism campaign under the vision “Azm e Istehkam” will continue at full pace to “wipe out [the] menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”.

In a statement on X, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to security forces and commended their “professional” capabilities.

“Conspiracies of terrorists’ foreign patrons and their local facilitators will be thwarted,” he said. “The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its security forces and law enforcement agencies.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the security forces, saying that terrorists seeking to undermine Pakistan’s security and peace would “never succeed in their nefarious designs”, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

“The efforts of the security forces and law enforcement agencies to completely eliminate terrorism and establish lasting peace in the country were commendable,” APP quoted the premier as saying.

“He said that he, along with the entire nation, stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in their unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country,” APP reported.

Intensified operations

Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities in recent years, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations.

On Oct 18, an army major was martyred, and four terrorists were killed during multiple IBOs in Balochistan. A day before that, security forces killed eight “India-sponsored” terrorists during IBOs conducted in the Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar districts of Balochistan.

On the night of Oct 12/13, security forces busted a terrorist hideout and killed five terrorists during an IBO in Washuk, ISPR said.

Days later, Balochistan government officials said that six terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), two would-be female suicide bombers, and two commanders of a banned organisation had been arrested during IBOs across the province.

They said around 90 arrested terrorists were being held at a centre where investigations and legal proceedings were under way.

Earlier this month, five terrorists were eliminated in Balochistan’s Mastung district, state media reported.

According to Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist violence increased substantially in Sept with 225 attacks recorded nationwide, compared with 199 in August, representing a 13.1 per cent increase and the highest monthly total recorded in 12 years, with Balochistan remaining the “principal theatre” with 131 attacks, accounting for 58.2pc of the national total.

On counterterrorism, the report noted that security forces conducted 74 operations, killing 280 terrorists. Out of this, Balochistan accounted for 35 operations and 171 terrorist deaths.

The DIG and SSP Khuzdar had visited the site of an explosion at Karkh Police Station the previous day to inspect the scene, accompanied by a large contingent of police personnel. As the convoy was returning, armed men, lying in ambush, opened fire on it, injuring three police personnel. The attackers fled after police personnel returned fire.

Firing inside girls’ college

Separately, three female students were injured when armed men opened fire inside a girls’ degree college in Noshki.

According to Noshki police, armed men opened fire at the girls’ college, injuring three students.

The injured students were shifted to Mir Gul Khan Nasir Teaching Hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026

Marine experts and environmentalists have described the sighting of such a large group of dolphins as a positive indicator of abundant marine life, rich food sources and a healthy ocean ecosystem in the region.

Experts said the dolphins have been scientifically identified as Tursiops aduncus, commonly known as Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

Pakistan’s coastal waters, particularly along the Balochistan coast, are home to diverse marine life, including around 26 recorded species of cetaceans, such as dolphins, whales and porpoises.

Highlighting the ecological significance of the sighting, marine conservationists urged authorities and local fishing communities to strengthen conservation efforts.

They stressed that protecting dolphins, whales, sea turtles and other marine species is essential to maintaining the delicate balance of the coastal ecosystem.

Our Staff Reporter adds from Karachi: Amir Dad Khan, who was captaining a fishing boat, spotted a remarkable group of more than 500 of these dolphins leaping near his vessel in Gwadar, according to experts associated with the World Wide Fund for Nature Pakistan (WWF-P).

“The sighting of such a large pod engaging in playful activities in the shallow waters is a promising sign of a robust coastal ecosystem along Baloch­istan’s shores — and especially in Gwadar,” said Muhamad Moazzam Khan, WWF-P’s technical adviser.

He added that it’s an encouraging indicator of biodiversity and a heal-thy food chain in both coastal and offshore waters.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026

The decision was taken at a joint meeting of various doctors’ organisations chaired by PMA General Secretary Dr Zarak Muhammad Shahi. Participants discussed the planned strike and other key issues concerning the provincial health department.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026

Speaking on a point of order during proceedings of the Balochistan Assembly the other day, National Party leader Dr Abdul Malik Baloch — himself a former chief minister of the province — expressed serious concerns over the suspension of work on National Highway Authority (NHA) projects in the province, and urged authorities to take up the matter with the federal government.

Current, former chief ministers criticise FWO performance; incumbent says roads in his area have ‘deteriorated’

He also criticised the contracting process, alleging that the FWO had awarded work according to its own preferences, and often cited security concerns as the reason for any delays. He also took issue with the absence of any Balochistan-based leadership for these projects, claiming that most project directors were based in Karachi or Islamabad rather than Quetta, except for one or two.

Responding to his concerns, CM Bugti acknowledged shortcomings in FWO’s performance, saying that even roads constructed in his own area had deteriorated. He said the organisation was awarded projects with the expectation of quality work, but claimed that the entity subsequently handed projects over to smaller subcontractors, resulting in poor execution.

The chief minister said he was dissatisfied with the FWO’s performance and that the elected provincial assembly shared these concerns.

Regarding NHA projects, CM Bugti said security-related challenges also affec­ted some road schemes and that the government was addressing those issues.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026