The year 2023 etched a grim picture in Balochistan, marred by a surge in terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of 330 people, including 149 security personnel, and injured 467 others.
These staggering official statistics paint a stark reality of the challenges faced by the province in its relentless fight against terror. The victims included 139 officials and 191 civilians, martyred in various incidents, while those injured included 174 security officials.
The year witnessed a record rise in attacks on civilians, police, and security forces, including the Frontier Corps (FC).
Banned outfits like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) were responsible for a significant portion of the violence, claiming responsibility for 178 and 150 attacks, respectively, as per the Counter-Terrorism Department. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also added to the unrest, carrying out 31 attacks in the province.
A Tale of Two Sides:
Throughout the year, the CTD conducted 90 intelligence-based operations, apprehending 106 individuals involved in terrorist activities. These proactive measures resulted in the seizure of 11,000 kilogrammes of explosives, 48 grenades, four suicide jackets, and a large number of weapons, potentially preventing further bloodshed.
Unforgettable Tragedies:
The September 14 bomb blast near the car of JUI leader Hafiz Hamdullah in Mastung injured 11, including Hamdullah himself. The attack highlighted the vulnerability of religious leaders, raising concerns about targeted violence.
Just two weeks later, on September 29, Mastung witnessed another devastating attack during the Eid Miladun Nabi procession. A suicide blast ripped through the crowd, martyring over 50 people, including DSP Muhammad Nawaz Gishkori. This attack shattered the festive spirit and served as a stark reminder of the brutality of terrorism.
The most horrific attack on the security forces took place near Pasni, in which 14 soldiers were martyred.
The Unwavering Spirit:
Despite the year's challenges, the people of Balochistan demonstrated remarkable resilience. Their unwavering determination to overcome adversity and build a peaceful future for their province continues to inspire. The security forces, too, remained steadfast in their fight against terror, putting their lives on the line to safeguard the people.
