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• ISPR says 30 eliminated in Harnai, 11 in Panjgur operations
• Looted cash, arms recovered as forces raid hideouts
• President, PM laud operations; CM Bugti hails professionalism of forces
QUETTA: Security forces killed 41 terrorists in intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Panjgur and Harnai districts of Balochistan and recovered a large quantity of arms, ammunition and cash, the military’s media wing said on Friday.
In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operations were conducted on Thursday and targeted terrorists belonging to “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan”.
The state uses the term “Fitna al-Khawarij” for terrorists associated with the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, while “Fitna al-Hindustan” is used for Balochistan-based terrorist groups.
ISPR said the presence of TTP terrorists was reported on the outskirts of Harnai, following which an IBO was conducted in the area.
“During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the hideout, and after an intense fire exchange, 30 India-sponsored Khawarij were sent to hell,” the statement added.
The statement added that a large cache of ammunition and explosives was found in the terrorists’ possession and was destroyed by security forces.
An IBO was also carried out in the Panjgur district, where a “terrorist hideout was busted and 11 India-sponsored terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan were neutralised”, ISPR said.
The military’s media wing further stated that weapons, ammunition and money looted in a bank robbery in Panjgur on Dec 15 were found in the possession of terrorists killed in the second operation.
“The terrorists were involved in numerous terrorist activities in the past” as well, ISPR said, adding that sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area.
Thursday’s IBOs were carried out nearly two weeks after security forces killed 12 terrorists and effectively thwarted their attempt to create a hostage situation in Balochistan’s Kharan district during multiple operations.
An ISPR statement then said about the action that on Jan 15, “approximately 15 to 20 India-sponsored terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan carried out multiple terrorist activities in Kharan City, District Kharan”.
“The terrorists attacked the City Police Station, National Bank of Pakistan and Habib Bank Limited. They also looted Rs3.4 million from the banks,” ISPR said, adding that security forces effectively responded and engaged them, prompting them to retreat.
During the ensuing clearance operation, 12 terrorists were killed in three different engagements.
More recently, on Jan 19, the CTD foiled an alleged terror plan of a banned organisation, killing five suspected terrorists during an operation in the Dasht area of Mastung district.
President, PM laud operations
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to security forces for the operations in Balochistan and Bannu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In their separate statements, they said the effective actions against the terrorists manifested the state’s “unshakeable resolve” against the terrorists backed by Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij.
“The anti-terror actions against terrorists under the Azm-i-Istehkam would continue for the country’s peace and stability. The vigilance of security forces and law enforcement agencies is commendable for the complete elimination of proxy terrorism in the country,” President Zardari remarked.
PM Shehbaz appreciated the security forces for eliminating 41 terrorists in Thursday’s operations. “The entire nation stands in support of the security forces against terrorism. We are resolved to completely purge the country of all forms of terrorism,” he added.
Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti also praised the operations.
In a post on X, he said the provincial government was taking steps to improve law and order, eliminate militancy and promote merit and reiterated that any attempt to undermine peace and development in Balochistan would be foiled.
Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2026
