QUETTA: Six proclaimed offenders affiliated with the banned organisation Fitna al Khawarij, the state-designated term for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were killed during the Pishin operation, said Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Dep­artment (CTD) head DIG Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya on Tuesday.

He added that a search was under way to arrest their accomplices who managed to flee during the operation, which began at around 7am and concluded at 4:30pm on Monday.

Sharing details of the operation at a press conference alongside Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Political and Media Affairs Shahid Rind, DIG Goraya said the slain suspects — gang leader Sanaullah Agha, his two brothers and three associates — were wanted in 15 criminal and terrorism cases related to murder, kidnapping for ransom, terrorist activities and abduction of women.

The CTD chief said a large cache of weapons, including rocket launchers, RPGs, hand grenades and explosive mat­erial, was recovered from their hideout.

Details shared with media a day after the operation

He said prior to the exchange of fire, six local elders approached the CTD, claiming the suspects wished to surrender. He said the CTD allowed 15 minutes for negotiations, but two individuals sent for talks climbed onto the roof, picked up weapons and handed them over to the proclaimed offenders, footage of which is available. He said the CTD initially refrained from action, but after the firing an encounter ensued.

During the operation, he said, all the six proclaimed offenders were killed, while 10 CTD personnel sustained minor injuries.

DIG Goraya said the recovered weapons would be sent for forensic examination, as there were reports that explosives issued to mining companies through permits were being diverted to terrorists, and an FIR has been registered in Khuzdar. Evidence was also being collected regarding the suicide attack in Nokundi and arrests were being made, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahid Rind said the Balochistan government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against terrorists and their facilitators. He said armed resistance would be met firmly, but those surrendering would be dealt with according to the law. He expressed the hope that tangible results of government’s actions would be visible in coming months.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2026