QUETTA: The two suspected terrorists who were killed in a gun battle with the personnel of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the Surkhab area of Pishin district on Monday night belonged to the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), announced Balochistan’s Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove on Tuesday.

Giving details about the suspects at a press conference along with DIG CTD Aitezaz Goraya and DIG Quetta Abdul Razzaq Cheema, he said they were identified as Pir Shazaduddin and Zakirullah and were involved in many bomb blasts and cases of kidnapping for ransom, including the kidnapping of a son of a member of the Balochistan Assembly.

He further alleged that the suspects were involved in many attacks on security forces.

He added that during the search operation of the terrorists’ hideout, security personnel came upon several explosive-laden jackets, locally assembled bombs and other weapons.

Responding to a question, Mr Langove said, “Enemies of peace and progress in Balochistan and Pakistan were attempting to destabilise the country.”

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2020