• 177 terrorists eliminated over three days; clashes reported in Nushki, Mastung, Gwadar
• Mobile data and internet services in Quetta, other cities suspended for third consecutive day
• Train services and coach routes to other provinces remain partially suspended
QUETTA: At least 22 more terrorists were killed in overnight security forces operations in various cities of Balochistan, bringing the total number of outlaws killed over the past three days to 177, officials said on Monday.
Security forces had launched mop-up operations following coordinated terrorist attacks in 12 cities and towns, including the provincial capital Quetta, on Saturday.
Officials said forces had completed operations in most areas by late Sunday night, killing 145 attackers. However, clearance operations continued, and 22 more terrorists were killed during overnight actions in different parts of the province.
Authorities confirmed that clearance operations were still underway in Nushki, Mastung and the port city of Gwadar. The Quetta-Taftan Highway remains closed to all kind of vehicles due to ongoing operations in Nushki
Heavy firing and explosions were reported from Nushki on Monday evening, while communication links between Nushki and other areas remained suspended.
In Gwadar, clearance operations are also continuing, with security forces clearing the port road and nearby areas following intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists. Officials said firing and explosions were heard in some parts of the port city during the operation.
Meanwhile, three explosions were heard in Mastung town late on Sunday night as security forces fired rockets after receiving information about the presence of suspected terrorists in the area, a senior Mastung administration official said.
Mobile services & transport
Mobile phone data and internet services remained suspended for the third consecutive day in Quetta and several other cities of Balochistan, causing widespread inconvenience to residents, including traders, students and office workers.
According to reports, mobile data services have been shut down in Quetta since Saturday, with similar outages continuing in Turbat, Hub and other parts of the province. The prolonged suspension has severely disrupted daily life, affecting business activities, online education and official work, while users expressed frustration over the lack of connectivity.
Transport links between Balochistan and other parts of the country also remained partially suspended for the third day due to security concerns. Railway officials said train services from Balochistan to other provinces remained halted, with the Jaffar Express bound for Peshawar and the Chaman passenger train cancelled again on Tuesday.
Coach services to Punjab via the Fort Munro route have also been suspended, adding to the difficulties faced by passengers. Several key highways remain closed, including the Dera Ismail Khan-Loralai national highway, which connects Balochistan with Punjab, and the Quetta–Taftan national highway, which remains blocked at Noshki.
However, traffic has been restored on the Quetta–Karachi national highway and the Quetta–Jacobabad route, providing partial relief to commuters.
The continued suspension of internet and transport services has heightened public concern, with citizens urging authorities to restore normal connectivity and travel at the earliest to ease hardships across the province.
Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2026
