QUETTA: Security forces completed an operation against terrorists in Gwadar city and the Gabd border, the military’s media wing said on Friday, adding that at least 10 “India-sponsored terrorists” were killed during an attempt to ‘undermine the writ of the state’.

A day earlier, officials said that at least three terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan — the term used by the state to highlight India’s backing for Balochistan-based terrorist groups — were killed as security personnel foiled their attack on empty construction camp in Gwadar.

They also said that forces had surrounded several other suspected terrorists near a hotel, and an operation was underway to thwart another attempted attack.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued on Friday, at least ten India-sponsored terrorists were killed in separate engagements.

Says one woman among those eliminated in separate engagements

“On Oct 22, Indian-sponsored terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan attempted to carry out terrorist activities in district Gwadar, in the general areas of the Gabd Border Crossing and Gwadar city.”

“By targeting these locations, terrorists sought to harm the very people they claim to represent and wanted to obstruct the development and prosperity of Balochistan. To protect residents and clear the area, security forces launched clearance operations in and around Gwadar city,” ISPR said.

It added that security forces in separate engagements foiled the terrorists’ designs and “their bid to undermine the writ of the state and spread their miscons-trued agenda”.

“In the ensuing exchanges of fire, 10 terrorists, including one female terrorist, were sent to hell. During the terrorist attacks one civilian embraced shahadat (martyrdom) and [a] few vehicles were damaged. Operations were concluded without any loss to security forces, restoring order and writ of the state,” the ISPR said.

The military’s media wing also expressed concern that the coercion of a Baloch woman into the attack was “a crime not only against the state but against the hurmat (respect) of Baloch women. It exposes the terrorists’ cynical exploitation of Baloch women as an instrument of propaganda, intended to inflame public sentiment and lend false sanctity to their campaign. Such tactics are contrary to Baloch and Islamic traditions, which hold women in the highest honour. The people of Balochistan have consistently rejected those who shed blood in their name, and they will see through this deception as well.”

The ISPR said the counter-terror campaign would continue at full pace.

“Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain resolute in eliminating foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” it added.

On the successful completion of the operation, President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for foiling the terrorists’ attempts.

He also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of a citizen in a terrorism incident.

President Zardari said efforts to disrupt peace and stability in Balochistan could not shake the people’s resolve for development and prosperity in the province.

He stressed the importance of peace for the protection of the rights and interests of people of Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026