QUETTA(National Times)- At least three ‘commanders’ of Balochistan-based terrorist groups are in custody, while 35 of their operatives have been killed in intelligence based operations in recent days, the Balochistan government said on Sunday.
According to CM’s aide Shahid Rind, security forces launched an operation on May 13, which continued for at least four days in the Mangla Zarghoon Gar area — a hilly area on the outskirts of Quetta.
“Security forces destroyed many camps and hideouts in the successful operation and arrested three commanders during the operation,” Mr Rind said in a statement.
The announcement came days after Quetta and other parts of the province were rocked by violence.
Earlier this month, multiple sites across the provincial capital came under rocket attacks, which were said to have been carried out from locations in the surrounding mountainous areas.
At a recent press conference, DIG Imran Shoukat had said that the city was facing multiple security threats and that strict security measures are being enforced to ensure the safety of citizens.
Last week, traffic on the Quetta-Taftan road was suspended after a bridge was blown up in the Sheikh Wasil area of Mastung, and unidentified men set fire to trucks carrying goods from Iran.
According to the spokesperson, the noose was tightening around terrorists and their facilitators, adding that the state would continue its action until the eradication of terrorism.
Earlier in the day, the government imposed Section 144 across the province, banning the display and use of weapons, pillion riding, tinted vehicle windows, unregistered motorcycles, and gatherings of five or more people.
According to a notification issued by the Home Department on Sunday, covering faces in public through masks, mufflers, or any other means that may hinder identification has also been prohibited.
The provincial government enforced the orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1898, declaring them effective immediately for a period of 30 days.
The notification stated that the restrictions were imposed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.
The order was issued with the approval of Additional Chief Secretary Home Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat, and instructions for implementation have been conveyed to all commissioners, deputy commissioners, police officials, and law enforcement agencies across the province.
Balochistan government’s aide for the Home Department, Babar Yousafzai, said that following the imposition of Section 144, pillion riding and gatherings of more than four people have been banned.
He added that security agencies are on high alert to counter any potential action by “Fitna al Khawarij” and “Fitna al Hindustan”, the terms used by the state to refer to the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, and Balochistan-based terror groups, respectively.
He warned that any adventurism or unlawful activity by banned outfits would be met with a strong and decisive response.
Mr Yousafzai further stated that all security forces are fully prepared and alert, and all necessary arrangements have been finalised to handle any unpleasant situations.
Train service suspended
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has suspended train services from Balochistan to other parts of the country for two days due to unavoidable circumstances, while the Jaffar Express to Peshawar has been cancelled on May 18 and 19.
According to railway officials, Pakistan Railways decided to temporarily suspend train operations from Balochistan due to unavoidable reasons. As a result, the Jaffar Express departing from Quetta to Peshawar will remain cancelled on May 18 and 19. The said train will operate only up to Jacobabad on the same two days and will return from Jacobabad instead of proceeding to Quetta.
Railway authorities added that the Bolan Mail from Quetta to Karachi and the Chaman Passenger service to Chaman are already suspended.
