Date

Incidents

January 1

At least three people were killed and 30 injured in a suicide attack targeting Shia pilgrims in Akhtarabad area of the provincial capital Quetta. Police said a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the bus carrying Shia pilgrims who were coming from Iran to Quetta.

IGFC Balochistan Major General Mohammad Ejaz Shahid said that 60 to 70 Farari camps, or insurgent camps, were operating in the province. However, he added that it was difficult to crack down on these camps because they keep changing location according to the weather.

Two persons were killed and nine others were injured in a blast in Bakhtiarabad area of Sibi town of the same District. The bomb was attached to a motorcycle and detonated by remote control.

Four persons, including the advisor to the Balochistan Chief Minister Majid Abro, were injured in bomb attacks in Quetta.

Quetta Police Chief Abdul Razaq Cheema claimed that Police has arrested four UBA militants and seized a huge cache of bomb-making material from their possession in Bakra Mandi area of Quetta. CCPO Cheema said that the accused have confessed of carrying out 15 terrorists acts in 2012-13 in which 12 persons were killed and dozens others were injured.

Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) recovered three dead bodies from Killi Maryam in Qamarud Din Karez area of Zhob District.

A Policeman was injured when armed assailants hurled a hand grenade at Satellite Town Police Station in Quetta.

Terming reports about presence of Afghan Taliban as baseless and far from reality, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said that there is no Taliban Shura in Quetta. "No sign of Afghan Taliban factor in the province," he said, adding that foreign hands were involved in the prevailing unrest in Balochistan. The Home Minister's statement has come two days after the foreign press reported the killing of two Taliban leaders in Quetta. "I have no information about the killing of Taliban leaders," Bugti said.

A source in Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Department said that the Commission on enforced disappearances has received 209 cases of missing Baloch political workers from Balochistan. He said that 61 missing persons have been recovered and 24 mutilated dead bodies found in different parts of Balochistan up till now. He said 44 cases of missing persons were disposed off following lack of required documents. Apart from this, 144 cases of missing persons were under trial before Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Two passengers were killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at a passenger van in the Dukki tehsil of Loralai District. No outfit claimed of responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified militants blew up a gas pipeline in Dera Murad Jamali area of Naseerabad District suspending gas supply to many districts.

Abductors released the eight coalminers abducted from Harnai District on December 25, 2013. Sajjad Gul Kakar, a levies official, said, "Miners are back and they are safe." He, however, declined to comment on the ransom amount paid to the kidnappers for release of the coal miners.

Unidentified militants opened fire in Dashti Bazaar area of Turbat District and killed two people. Imam Bakhsh, a police officer said, "Both victims were dead on the spot".

Unidentified militants shot dead a levies constable, identified as Murad Bakhsh, in Mand Soro area of Kech District. The militants took away the weapon of the constable after killing him.

Armed militants snatched weapons from levies personnel in Panjgur District. A levies official, on condition of anonymity, said that more than two dozen armed militants stormed a check post and snatched weapons from levies men. "I have no information about the exact number of levies men," he said, adding that the levies men did not resist the attackers. The militants managed to escape after the attack and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Police and ATF conducted a raid at the private jail of JUI-F member and former Provincial Minister Education and Member of Balochistan Assembly, Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran and rescued seven abducted people, including two women and three children in Barkhan District. Police also arrested six suspects and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession.

A tortured and bullet-riddled dead body of a boy (10) was found in Turbat District. According to sources, the victim's elder brother is a campaigner for the Baloch separatist movement. A BSO-A spokesperson accused Security Agencies of being behind the incident. However, Security Agencies denied charges of their involvement in any illegal detention or dumping of bodies.

A large quantity of anti-Pakistan literature as well as maps of a separate Balochistan were recovered during a raid of Attashad Degree College in Turbat District. A Baloch student had reportedly taken over a hostel in the college and a FC spokesperson claimed he was brainwashing students to conduct acts of terrorism in the country.

The recovered material included separatist leaflets, banners and posters. The books include Nehru and Gandhi's biographies as well as books about Baloch separation. The books were printed in Karachi and neighbouring countries. The FC had conducted the raid after receiving a tip about the operation. No arrests were made and the student in question fled before the FC arrived.

Three suspected militants were killed while five others arrested by the SFs during a search operation in Zaidi area of Khuzdar District in Balochistan. Deputy Commissioner Syed Abdul Waheed Shah said that the security forces and Levies force had been conducting a joint search operation in Zaidi area when armed men opened fire on them.

Supreme Court directed the Government of Balochistan to ensure security to the doctors' community in the province. A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Nasir ul Mulk and comprising Justice Saqib Nisar and Justice Ameer Hani Muslim heard the Balochistan law and order situation and missing persons' case. The court directed Nasruallah Baloch, Chairman Voice of Missing Persons, Balochistan to appear before the court on the next date of hearing, stating as to whether he wanted to proceed further with the instant case or not.

The Balochistan Government has approached all political forces in the province for an all parties' conference which is likely to be held at the end of January in Quetta, a provincial Government spokesperson said. The APC was scheduled to be held in December, 2013 but could not take place due to the local Government elections in the province. The conference is being held to seek suggestions from all political forces on how to restore peace in the volatile region. Besides insurgency and sectarian violence, the issues of kidnapping for ransom will also be discussed in the APC.

Two people, including the driver and cleaner of a NATO container carrying equipment for troops in Afghanistan, were injured when unidentified militants opened fire at the NATO container in the Choto area of Mastung District. No outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified militants blew up a 16-inch diameter gas pipeline in Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District.

At least 24 Shia pilgrims returning from Iran were killed and 40 others were injured in a bomb attack targeting their bus in the Khusak area of Kanak in Mastung District. Local Government official Shafqat Shahwani said that 51 passengers had been on board at the time of the blast and that nine passengers were still unaccounted for. Provincial Home Secretary Asad Gilani said that two buses with 103 pilgrims had been travelling together with security vehicles provided by the Government and that the bomb struck one of the buses. LeJ claimed the responsibility for the attack.

Three abductors were killed while three people, including a Police Official, one ATF official and one passerby, were injured in an operation near Sariab Road in Quetta. CCPO Abdul Razzak Cheema said, "We don't know who the kidnappers are as yet, investigation is still ongoing on."

At least eight persons, including seven Levies personnel and one militant were killed, while ten others, including a Spanish tourist, were injured when a militant kidnapping bid was foiled in Darin Garh area of Koshak in Mastung District. Asad-ur-Rehman Gailani, the Home Secretary Balochistan said, "Militants wanted to kidnap the Spanish tourist". The militant killed was later identified as Uzbek national.

A militant and a Levies official were killed during an operation launched by SFs, including Police, Levies and Frontier Corps in Darin Garh area.

Armed militants torched one NATO container carrying equipment in the Western Bypass area of Quetta. A police official who requested anonymity said that the militants opened fire at the NATO container which was on its way from Kandahar in Afghanistan to Port Qasim in Karachi (Sindh). However, the driver and cleaner managed to escape unhurt.

Unidentified militants opened fire at an anti-polio team in Bukhari Muhalla area of Sibi District. However, no casualties were reported. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either of the attacks.

FC IG Major General Ejaz Shahid while briefing the Senate's Standing Committee said that 360 paramilitary personnel were martyred in Balochistan since 2007. IG FC said those fighting with Security Forces should not be called as 'enraged elements' but as 'militants'. Major General Ejaz Shahid said the FC arrested a politician from Quetta and recovered 1.5 tones of explosive material.

He further warned the Government that lack of equipment and scarcity of funds may deal a devastating blow to his force's fight against separatists in Balochistan. "We are struggling to establish the writ of the government along Balochistan's western border. We are quite far away from even playing the national anthem in state-run schools in Panjgur, Turbat [Kech] and adjacent cities in Makran Division," he said. The IGFC complained that of PKR 28.5 billion promised to the FC Balochistan for 2013-14, the Government had released only PKR15 billion so far. He said a further 30 per cent had been slashed by the finance division.

At least six people were injured when a bomb targeting the van of FC exploded near a petrol pump on Sariab Road in Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan. According to the sources, the SFs vehicle remained undamaged while glasses of nearby shops smashed as a result of the blast. An operation has been launched against militants. The decision to start the operation was taken in a high-level meeting held on the night of January 23, 2014.

SFs detained at least 25 suspects during a full scale operation in Kanak and Derringer areas of Mastung District. The operation was by SFs, which included personnel from the FC, Police, the ATF, Levies and recruits from Balochistan Constabulary.

Officials said that Pakistan suspended buses carrying Shia Muslim pilgrims from travelling through Balochistan Province to neighbouring Iran due to security concerns. "We have temporarily suspended the movement of buses on the highway until the security situation improves," a senior official of the Provincial Government said.

Four militants were killed and seven others arrested by the Balochistan FC during a search operation in Shabood area of Panjgur District. A huge cache of weapons, abducted children and weapons were also recovered from the custody of militants.

Around 25 dead bodies were found buried in the Totak area of Khuzdar District in Balochistan. Digging is under way to locate more bodies, according to Deputy Commissioner Abdul Waheed Shah. He said that the bodies were dumped in different areas. The identity of the victims could not be determined yet. Only the bones of the bodies were recovered. The government planned to conduct DNA tests on them. After the recovery of the bodies, there is a great concern among relatives of the missing persons.

Two bullet-riddled bodies of two men were found in Basima area of Washuk District. Bodies were shifted to the hospital for autopsy and identification," Levies officials said, adding that the victims were 25 to 30 years old.

A gas pipeline was blown up in Dera Bugti District disrupting the gas-supply to the Sui plant from well number 15 in Pir Koh gas field. A Levies official said that unidentified miscreants had planted an explosive device on the 16 inch-diameter pipeline in Pir Koh gas field.

Militants blew up two gas pipelines in the Pir Koh area and near the Loti gas field in Dera Bugti District, suspending gas supply from well no 41 and 3 respectively. BRA claimed responsibilities for the attacks.

Balochistan High Court gave an order allowing JWP's provincial chief Shahzain Bugti to go to Dera Bugti. "The Government of Dr Abdul Malik Baloch had ordered law-enforcement agencies to provide foolproof security to the convoy and allow it to enter Dera Bugti safely," a senior official said.

A person was killed and 12 others were injured when a bomb explosion occurred destroying a pickup truck at a petrol pump in Naseerabad District. "A pickup was waiting in a queue for its turn to fill petrol at a pump when suddenly a bomb exploded in it," local Police Official Jan Muhammad said.

Unidentified militants shot dead a worker, identified as Bakht Muhammad of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, while he was on his way to home with his colleague on the Bypass Road area of Qilla Abdullah District. However, his friend remained unhurt.

Geo News received a video of January 22, 2014 attack on Levies force, escorting Spanish cyclist in Darin Garh area of Mastung District. The video shows Levies personnel engaged in firing with militants. It also shows occurring of the blast during the attack.

PM Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities to form a committee for initiating reconciliation process and negotiations with disgruntled Baloch nationalists. He said the committee should be constituted in consultation with the political leadership of Balochistan to initiate peace dialogue with the nationalists as part of the reconciliation process.

PM Nawaz Sharif urged the civil and military leadership to devise a joint strategy to ensure durable peace in Balochistan. During his visit to Corps Headquarters in Quetta Cantonment, he said SFs were playing a commendable role for securing peace and tranquility in the province. He called upon the military and civil leadership to adopt a collective approach in this regard.

CoAS, General Raheel Sharif, Balochistan CM Abdul Malik Baloch, Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai, Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Federal Minister for SAFRON General (retired) Abdul Qadir Baloch were present on the occasion. Southern Command Commander Lieutenant General Nasser Khan Janjua gave a detailed briefing to the prime minister on the overall law and order situation in Balochistan.

Nawaz laid a wreath at the Yadgaar-e-Shuhada to acknowledge the contribution of the martyrs of Army, FC and Police. Addressing the provincial assembly members, he said, "The federal government has already allocated funds amounting to PKR 8 billion for completion of Gwadar-Rato Dero and Khuzdar-Naag highways," he said, adding that work on these projects would be launched soon and completed within a year. Besides, he said, funds for PKR 10 billion Kalat-Chaman highway had also been arranged and work on the project would be started soon.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif said that the Pakistan Army would provide maximum assistance in enhancing the capacity of Balochistan Police to ensure peace in the province. General Sharif said another three courses would be run by the Pakistan Army this year for Police and Balochistan Constabulary. Southern Command Commander Lieutenant General Nasir Khan Janjua and other senior officers were also present on the occasion. According to ISPR, currently 200 individuals of police and Balochistan Constabulary are being imparted training by Pakistan Army's Southern Command in Quetta. An eight-week-long course will conclude on February 7.

Earlier in 2013, Pakistan Army provided 5,000 weapons and 500,000 rounds of ammunition to Balochistan Police besides imparting training to 200 policemen to enhance their capacity in anti-terrorism. The trained force now comprises Anti-Terrorist Force Balochistan, which has displayed good performance in the last few months after the training.

Three FC personnel were killed and four others sustained injuries in a roadside IED explosion near Awaran town (Awaran District) of Balochistan. "The FC vehicle was on a routine patrol from Awaran to Lasbela on the national highway when it was hit by an IED planted by miscreants," Frontier Corps Spokesperson Mohammed Wasay said. The BLF claimed responsibility for the attack.

The 18-inch-diameter pipeline, supplying gas to Uch power plant, was blown up in Allawariya village of Dera Murad Jamali in Naseerabad District, suspending gas supply to Uch power plant.

Thousands of IDPs, including women and children, who had migrated to Sindh and Punjab because of a military operation in Dera Bugti nine years ago, are waiting at Doli check post and Kashmore District for the Government permission to return home. Having started their journey back home on January 17, 2014 they were stopped at Kashmore District on January 18, 2014. Security officials said they could move ahead only after getting themselves registered.

A gas pipeline was blown in Dera Allahyar area of Jaffarabad District, disrupting gas supply to Sohbatpur.

The shrine of a popular Sufi poet of Balochistan, Mast Twakali, was set on fire by unidentified militants in Mawand area of Kohlu District. However, no casualties were reported. Kohlu's Deputy Commissioner Ejaz Haider said that after the incident Levies personnel launched a search operation in Tomboo tehsil of Kohlu District and took five suspects into custody.

Unidentified armed militants attacked the house of a pro-government tribal elder, Gazeen Khan Bugti, killing him and eight members of his family, including three women, three children and two adult males, in Dera Bugti District. Provincial Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said that the members of the peace committee retaliated and killed two of the attackers and wounded three others. The Minister said that it was BRA that had attacked Khan's house.

Unidentified militants set a NATO container-carrying truck on fire while it was on its way from Karachi (Sindh) to Chaman town in Qilla Abdullah District, killing two persons, including the driver of the vehicle in Sibi District. The firing also caused the truck to catch fire which partially damaged the container.

Unidentified militants opened fire on a Quetta-bound private container in Dhadar area of Bolan District, killing two people, including the driver Shamsullah and another man, identified as Lal Muhammad.

At least 19 FC personnel were injured when a bomb exploded while their vehicles passed through the Sibi and Tali areas of Sibi District.

At least four suspected militants were killed during an operation conducted by SFs in Chap Garh area of Dera Bugti District.

Gunmen in Tump town of Kech District snatched the Deputy Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner of Kech District after overpowering their subordinates. According to Provincial Home Secretary, Adil Gilani, gunmen overpowered at least 18 staff and security personnel accompanying the two officials and ordered the convoy to follow them. No group has so far claimed responsibility of the incident.

The team of six persons that went for the rescue of two senior government officials, who were earlier kidnapped on February 13, 2014 by unidentified militants from Tump town of Kech District, were also abducted from Gomazai in Turbat District. The recovery team was headed by Assistant Commissioner, Dasht Naeem Ghichki and comprised two Tehsildar and three Levies' personnel. BLF had claimed responsibility for the February 13 incident.

The Balochistan Government contacted BLF to secure the release of its abducted officers. "Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch wants to avoid an operation by Security Forces," Provincial Government Spokesperson Jan Buledi said. "Our priority is to secure the release of the kidnapped officials through peaceful negotiations," he said, adding, "The use of force will be the last option."

A local tribal elder, identified as Bashir Ahmed Zarakzai, and a minor girl, identified as Robina, were killed and six others were injured in an exchange of fire at the house of Sardar Inayatullah Zehri in Zehri Ghat village in Khuzdar District. According to the FC sources, the raid was carried out to capture some criminals. A tribal elder of Zehri, Mir Batay Khan Zarakzai, alleged that Security Forces, supported by some tribal elders, had attacked the house of Sardar Inayatullah Zehri, adding that innocent people were killed and injured in the firing.

The VMBP head, Mama Qadeer Baloch, and his Long March from Quetta (Balochistan) to Islamabad (Punjab) has been threatened. Mama Qadeer has received a threatening telephone call from an unlisted number informing him of the decision to prevent the marchers from entering Rawalpindi and Islamabad and warning them that they will not be allowed to present their demands to the UN.

The march was undertaken to demand accountability for the 18000 missing persons from Balochistan, which VMBP organisation has documented.

Eight persons, including seven BLF militants and one pro-Government militia member belonging to Baloch Musala Difa Army were killed while two others were injured in a gun battle between the two in Bessema area of Washuk District. "Two armed groups opened fire at each other in the Bessema area of Washuk," Washuk Deputy Commissioner Qadir Baksh Purkani said, confirming the fatalities.

Two women were killed and another injured by militants on suspicion of indulging in immoral activity at Loralai Bazaar in Loralai town of Loralai District. The incident follows the stoning of a couple in the same area on February 15, 2014 after a cleric issued a fatwa against them on suspicion of having illicit relations.

A boy was killed in an IED blast during the preparation of the Sibi Mela near the Mir Chakar-e-Azam Stadium in Sibi District. Sibi Deputy Commissioner, Sohailur Rehman Baloch said it was an IED blast and refuted media reports that it was a suicide bombing. However, DSP Ali Nawaz said that the boy was a suicide bomber who entered into the Sibi festival hall and blew himself up missing his intended target. "The strength of blast blew body pieces of suicide bomber into the air", the DSP said.

A railway track was blown up in an IED attack in Mangoli area of Dera Murad Jamali in Naseerabad District.

A 220kV power pylon supplying electricity to districts in Punjab was blown up in Sohbatpur District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the blasts.

At least five alleged militants were killed during an exchange of fire with SFs in Turbat District. A police officer, who requested anonymity, said that armed militants attacked the convoy of FC in Chah-e-Sar area of Turbat. He said the FC personnel quickly retaliated and five militants were killed on the spot. The officer stated that the FC recovered weapons from the possession of militants. He said that there were no reports of fatalities on the part of the FC.

A landmine blast killed one woman and injured seven others in Dera Bugti District. A Levies Official said on the condition of anonymity that a pick up carrying eight people, including seven women and a male, for a wedding party hit a landmine Zain Koh area of in Dera Bugti. "When the vehicle hit the land mine, there was huge blast, killing one woman on the spot", he said. No outfit claimed responsibility for the blast.

Journalists threatened to lay siege of the National Assembly and all Provincial Assemblies, if political parties failed to put forward legislation protecting the lives and jobs of media men in Pakistan before March 20, 2014. The announcement was made by PFUJ, Afzal Butt while addressing a seminar with regard to threats made against the media. According to Balochistan Union of Journalists more than 30 journalists were killed in the insurgency-hit province during the last seven years. "We will mount pressure on the rulers to protect the media in Balochistan."

BLF militants abducted a polio worker and three Levies personnel after an armed attack on the convoy of the Deputy Commissioner of Awaran Rasheed Baloch while he was returning home after supervising an anti-polio campaign in Gishik area of Awaran District. Calling from an unspecified place over phone, a 'spokesman' for the BLF, Gohram Baloch, claimed responsibility for the kidnappings and said the Deputy Commissioner was target of the attack.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a man, identified as Saleh Mohammad, in the precincts of Satellite Town Police Station in Eastern Bypass area of Quetta.

Three Levies personnel and a polio worker who were abducted on February 24, 2014, from Gishik area in Awaran District were set free on the night.

An un-named security official said that Iranian border guards fired mortar shells in the Peshak area of Panjgur District. However, no casualties were reported.

An Afghan Government official, identified as Sardar Mohammad, was shot dead on Roghani Road area of Chamant town in Qilla Abdullah District. According to sources, Mohammad was an important official and was considered a close associate of Afghan commander Abdul Raziq Khan, the in-charge of Spin Buldak District, the first Afghan District after zero point at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Unidentified armed assailants barged into the house one Kahir Mohammad in Etihad Colony of Quetta and killed his son Abdul Zahir.

Unidentified militants killed a man, identified as Ghulam Nabi, in Mastung District.

The relatives of Balochistan's missing persons, led by Abdul Qadeer Baloch (72) under the banner of VBMP, reached the end of their protest march from Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan to Islamabad. Qadeer started his long march with some families of missing persons from Quetta on October 27, 2013. He is to present a petition to UN officials in Islamabad and meet foreign diplomats to raise awareness of their cause.

Three FC personnel were killed and six others wounded in a remotely controlled IED blast along RCD Highway in Sorab area of Kalat District.

Officials said that they had rescued 11 kidnapped foreigners including eight Iranians, two Tunisians and one Yemeni national from Turbat District. Iranian security officials confirmed that their kidnapped border guards were among those recovered. They had been abducted on February 5, 2013 from Sistan-Balochistan border.

At least 10 militants were killed during an exchange of fire in Darinjan and Rustam Bazar areas of Sui tehsil in Dera Bugti District. FC Spokesman Khan Wasay said "Forces quickly responded and 10 militants were killed on the spot." He said that the forces also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from their possession.

Unidentified militant blew up an 18-inch Sui gas pipeline in Dera Murad Jamali area of Naseerabad District, disrupting gas supply to Quetta and various other areas of the province.

The HRCP expressed concern over Government's refusal to allow right activists and media personnel to visit Totak area where human bodies were found in unconventional graves. "Concerns and apprehensions of human rights organisations and civil society have increased after the discovery of mass graves in Totak and denial to these institutions to visit Totak and quake-hit areas of Awaran," the meeting of the HRCP Presided over by its Balochistan Chapter Chairman Tahir Hussain Khan observed.

The VBMP long march participants reached the UN country office in Islamabad to present a memorandum. VBMP leader Mama Qadeer Baloch said they now planned to return home after presenting their plea to UN. "... This is our last resort," he said, adding, "Where are these missing people? We fail to believe the Government. We have failed to get answers from them. The positive response from the UN gave us hope."

Balochistan Union of Journalists staged protest demonstration against the killing of Ibrar Tanoli, a photographer of Reuters, and demanded of the Government to nominate a judge for heading the Judicial Commission to probe into the murder of more than 30 newsmen in the Province. "Government must arrest the culprits involved in the murder of Wali Babar and Ibrar Tanoli," BUJ President Irfan Saeed told protesting journalists outside Quetta Press Club. The newsmen complained that threats and intimidation to journalists in different parts of the province were undermining freedom of expression. "Government should nominate a judge to probe into the murder of newsmen without any haste," Saeed demanded.

Two Sui gas pipelines were blown up, suspending gas supply to the plant from the wells, in Loti and Pirkoh area of Dera Bugti District.

During a discussion jointly organised by SDP) and IHI in Islamabad, the participants of the long march from Balochistan made the demand for the recovery of missing persons, expressing disappointment over the response of the Government and the Courts.

Mama Qadeer Baloch, who started the long march under the VBMP banner from Quetta on October 27, 2013 and reached Islamabad on February 28, 2014, revealed that they were being threatened to end their campaign. However, they have decided to continue their journey. The march also included people from Karachi and Hyderabad Districts of Sindh Province in search of their missing relatives.

The Supreme Court directed the Balochistan Government to submit a reply with explanation about prosecution and trial of arrested FC officials in a civil or a military court. The two-member bench comprising Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Athar Saeed resumed hearing of the case about law and order situation in the province and mass graves found in Khuzdar Disrict.

Two people, including a local leader of the BNP, who was also the chief of the trader's community, Attaullah Muhammadzai, and his bodyguard, were shot dead on Chakar Khan Road in Khuzdar District.

An unidentified man was shot dead on in Fatima Jinnah Road in Quetta.

A seven year old girl was killed and two others were injured in a landmine blast in Koh area of Dera Bugti District.

Unidentified militants blew up a bridge on National Highway near Mach area of Bolan District, cutting off the land-link between Punjab and Balochistan.

Provincial Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti said that Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch is in contact with some of the 'angry Baloch leaders' for initiating a process of dialogue to resolve issues faced by the Province. He said that the Federal Government and Balochistan Assembly had empowered the Chief Minister to approach Baloch insurgent leaders and work out a process of dialogue for reconciliation. He said the Chief Minister had contacted some of the leaders and was trying to bring them to the negotiating table.

Head Constable, identified as Manzoor Ahmed, was shot dead on Sariab Road in Quetta (Quetta District). SP Imran Qureshi said that unidentified militants opened fire at the vehicle of head constable Manzoor Ahmed on Sariab Road, killing him on the spot. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two people were killed and three others were injured when unidentified militants opened fire in Pedrak area of Turbat District.

Balochistan FC arrested nine suspects and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including four sub machine guns, two MMGs, 10 hand grenades, 10 magazines and a large number of rounds, during a raid at Kirani Road area in Quetta.

At least 10 persons, including nine civilians and one SF, were killed and 35 others were injured in a bomb explosion targeting FC vehicle at Science College Chowk area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. A Police Official, who requested anonymity, said that target of the blast was FC vehicle that narrowly escaped the attack.

TTP distanced itself from the attack. However, its splinter group Ahrar-ul-Hind (AH) claimed responsibility for the attack. "We claim both Peshawar and Quetta attacks," AH 'chief' Umar Qasmi said, adding, "We don't abide by these talks and will continue to stage attacks."

A part of the 16-inch diameter pipeline was blown up in Pir Koh gas field area of Dera Bugti District, suspending supply to the purification plant. BLA claimed responsibility for the blast.

Two unidentified dead bodies bearing torture marks were recovered from two different locations in the Pirkoh area of Dera Bugti District. According to Levies personnel, the victims had been subjected to torture before being killed.

An ATC Judge, Justice Tariq Anwer Kasi, issued arrest warrants for former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf's guarantors, Mumtaz Hussain and Nazeer Ahmed, during the hearing of the August 26, 2006, murder case of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. However, Musharraf, the prime accused, remained absent during the hearing. "Prime accused Musharraf had never appeared before the court," court observed while issuing the arrest warrants. The hearing was adjourned till April 7, 2014.

The Balochistan Government extended special powers granted to the FC for another two months. According to an announcement by the Provincial Home Secretary Syed Asadur Rehman Gilani, the paramilitary force will continue to exercise police powers for two more months to maintain law and order in the province. The FC was first given the powers to carry out raids and detain and interrogate suspects in January 2012 after the provincial coalition Government led by Nawab Aslam Raisani was sent home and Governor rule was imposed in Balochistan on the demand of Hazara Shia community.

Political parties of Balochistan demanded of the Federal Government to include the name of the abducted ANP leader Arabab Zahir Kasi in exchange of prisoners' list with the TTP. They urged upon Islamabad to help the Provincial Government in an unhurt recovery of Kasi. "Arbab Zahir Kasi has been shifted to a region where Balochistan Government has no writ," Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, the PML-N Provincial President said. He hinted that abductors might have shifted the ANP leader to Waziristan area bordering Afghanistan after kidnapping him from Quetta.

The CM of Balochistan Malik Baloch announced the formation of a STF to arrest culprits involved in the murder of journalists in the Province. Over 30 journalists were killed in the Province during the last seven years, according to the Balochistan Union of Journalists. "I order the formation of a task force to bring the killers of journalists to the book," the Chief Minister assured the protesting journalists outside the Assembly. However, the President of Balochistan Union of Journalists Irfan Saeed said "Despite repeated assurances, the killers of journalists are still at large".

The Balochistan Assembly, chaired by the Deputy Speaker Mir Qaddus Bizenjo, adopted four resolutions with its members discussing issues like job quota for locals in private companies. Of these, a joint resolution seeking allocation of 70 per cent job quota for local youths in private industrial units and other companies was tabled by Sardar Saleh Muhammad Bhootani. The quota would serve to ease the unemployment crisis in the Province, said the resolution.

At least five militants were killed and eight others were arrested during a search operation by SFs in Turbat District. An un-named official said that SFs launched a search operation in the Pidrak area of Turbat that led to an exchange of fire between militants and SFs. "The forces quickly responded and killed five militants during the exchange of fire," he added. He further stated that eight suspects were arrested up from the same area and are being interrogated by the security personnel.

A two-member bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Mushir Alam, while hearing the cases on the law and order situation in Balochistan, missing persons and the Khuzdar mass grave case observed that Balochistan Chief Secretary was visiting the US while people in the province were dying.

The court directed the Balochistan Chief Secretary to hold a meeting on his return from the US and adjourned the hearing for two weeks.

A Policeman guarding the polio team workers was killed when unidentified militants attacked the team in Nasirabad area of Loralai District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Sardar Sanaullah Zehrion, PML-N Parliamentary leader made an announcement that the Balochistan Government is setting up the Shuhada Foundation to assist the families of security personnel killed in the war against terror.

The driver of NATO oil container was killed and his companion was injured when unidentified militants set ablaze the tanker in Bypass area of Dhadar tehsil in Bolan District. An un-named levies official said that the militants escaped from the spot after torching the container. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

A bomb blast targeting a vehicle carrying SFs killed a minor girl and injured 15 others on the outskirts of Quetta city in Balochistan. Militants targeted the vehicle of FC through an IED on Quetta's Sariab road area.

Unidentified militants disguised in SFs' uniforms attacked the Pasni radar-post in Mekran Belt near Gwadar town (Gwadar District), killing a Balochistan Constabulary official and injuring another. An official in the province's home and tribal affairs department, who requested anonymity owing to sensitivity of the matter, told a private television channel that eight militants stormed inside the Pasni radar post and killed personnel deployed there. "The militants took eight security personnel hostage," he said, adding that the insurgents killed one of them for offering resistance.

Three more dead bodies were recovered from a mass grave in Totak area of Khuzdar District. The mass grave was discovered on January 25. So far, 16 dead bodies have been recovered from the grave. Two dead bodies were identified by their relatives, whereas the remaining corpses are yet to be identified.

Two passengers of the Akbar Bugti Express were killed and 10 others were injured when unidentified armed assailants attacked the train with two rockets in the Bolan District. The attackers fired two rockets which hit the bogies of the train, said officials of the Pakistan Railways. The FC and Railways Police personnel retaliated.

A dead body was found in the Totak area of Khuzdar District.

The dead body of an Iranian national, identified as Mohtaj Ubair, was found hanging from a tree in the Mashkail town of Kharan District. Balochistan Levies personnel found a piece of paper from the body that read "death to the informer of Iran". Assistant Commissioner Asghar Syapad said, "The body bore multiple marks of torture and he was hanged to death." According to details, Ubair had come to visit his relatives in Pakistan and was abducted from Chagai District on the same day.

According to official sources the number of dead bodies found from a mass grave in Totak area of Khuzdar District reached 17. Balochistan Home Secretary Asad ur Rehman Gailani said that during last two days four bodies were recovered from the mass grave in Totak area of Khuzdar. "They are yet to be identified," Gailani stated.

The Commander of the Southern Command, Lieutenant General Nasser Khan Janjua said that the process to resolve the Balochistan issue through talks is under way and the Army has been cooperating with the Provincial Government in its efforts to restore peace. He said steps had been taken to end unrest because development of the province was linked to peace.

Unidentified militants opened fire at a car and killed three people and injured two women inside it in Satellite Town area of Quetta. SP Sariab, Imran Qureshi said, "The victims are yet to be identified". No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police arrested the salesman of Al Badar Bookshop, identified as Khuda Bakhsh, and seized 'objectionable' material, including books, during a raid at the store in Gwadar District. "Police raided the bookshop after receiving information about objectionable books and other material kept there," District Police Officer Pervez Umrani said. According to details, the Policemen also confiscated two books on Balochistan's history, Lala Hatu Ram's 'Tareekh-e-Balochistan' and Dr Shah Mohammad Marri's 'Baloch'.

Police arrested the owner of a CD shop and also seized a number of CDs from the shop located on Airport Road in Quetta.

The Judicial Tribunal tasked to investigate the discovery of 17 dead bodies from mass graves in Tutak area of Khuzdar District is expected to produce its findings within a month. The Tribunal, headed by Balochistan High Court Judge Justice Noor Mohammed Meskanzai, sought eight more weeks on February 28, 2014, as it wanted to record the statements. "The extension of eight weeks will help the tribunal to record the statements of maximum number of people," Home Secretary Balochistan Asad Gilani said.

Spokesperson of Balochistan Government Jan Mohammed Buleidai said, "High Court judge is investigating this case and we hope that responsible will be brought to justice." The DNA tests of 13 dead bodies are yet to be submitted to the tribunal. Officials have only identified one body as that of Naseer Ahmed through a piece of paper recovered from the body. All the bodies were decomposed beyond recognition.

At least four people were injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at a shop in Osta Mohammad tehsil of Jaffarabad District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack. A Police Official, Muhammad Ayub suspected that Baloch separatists could be behind the attack.

SFs foiled a terror attack to blow up a gas pipeline in Bhong of Rahim Yar Khan District by arresting three BRA militants. Intelligence Agencies had informed the Police about the threat beforehand and the area was monitored for suspicious activity. According to details, four BRA militants arrived in the area on April 6 with advanced weapons and explosive material with the alleged intention to damage the pipeline. However, the Police thwarted their attempt and arrested three of the suspects while one managed to escape.

FC claimed to have killed more than 30 militants in Parodh area of Kalat District. Khan Wasey, the FC Spokesman said that the forces launched an operation against militants in Kalat District's Parodh area. He further added that 10 security personnel also sustained injuries during the operation and the "Forces also destroyed six vehicles of miscreants". "There is an intense firing between forces and miscreants", Wasey added. Security Forces also claimed to have recovered rocket launchers, hand grenades, hand-held bombs and other arms and ammunition from the possessions of militants. Provincial Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed that the SFs seized a large quantity of weapons during the raids and that 10 members of the paramilitary force were wounded in the fighting.

The FC Spokesman claimed that the targeted militants were involved in recent attacks on passenger trains, SFs and other vital installations in different parts of the province.

Political and religious leaders urged the committees representing the Government and the Taliban in peace talks to include the name of ANP leader Arbab Zahir Kasi in the list of people TTP Shura is being asked to release. They said that Zahir Kasi should not be ignored when the Government and the TTP exchanged captives. Kasi was kidnapped from Quetta on October 23, 2013.

An ATC in Quetta ordered former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf to appear before it on April 21, 2014, in a case relating to the August 26, 2006, murder of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Bugti. ATC Quetta 1 Judge Tariq Ahmed Kasi directed Musharraf to appear before the court otherwise his bail would be cancelled. "The court will issue arrest warrants against him if he fails to appear before it," counsel of Nawabzada Jamil Akbar Bugti, Sohail Rajput said while quoting the remarks of the judge during the hearing.

At least 17 people, including a woman and five children, were killed and 44 others were wounded when a passenger train, Jaffar Express was bombed at Sibi Railway Station in Sibi District. The UBA claimed responsibility for the attack on the train which was en route from Quetta to Rawalpindi District in Punjab. "Today's attack was revenge against the military operation," UBA 'spokesman' Mureed Baloch said referring to the April 7, 2014, Kalat crackdown by the SFs. "We warn the people not to travel in trains as we will continue attacks in the future," he added. Muhammad Tahir, a Police Official said that militants targeted the passenger train through an IED at Sibi Railway Station, adds Dawn. "When Pindi bound train reached railway station, there was a huge blast," he said.

A complete shutter-down strike was observed in parts of Balochistan on April 8 in response to a strike called by the BNF protesting the military operation in Kalat District on April 7, 2014. A BNF spokesperson said that SFs had launched the operation against locals after suffering a defeat 'at the hands of the BLA in Kalat and Nushki Districts'.

BLA 'spokesperson' Mirak Baloch said his armed men brought down a gunship helicopter in Kalat and killed several SFs personnel in response to the operation. "After facing tough resistance, the SFs carried out shelling on the local population and targeted innocent Baloch people," Mirak said. He claimed that none of the BLA's members were killed in the operation. A BRA 'spokesperson' also issued a similar statement.

Two bus passengers belonging to Shia Hazara community were killed in an incident of target killing on Sariab Road in Quetta. SP Imran Qureshi said that militants singled out two members of Hazara community from a passenger bus and opened fire on them from a very close range. "The incident as an act of targeted killing," said Qureshi, adding, the passenger bus was preparing to leave for Karachi when intercepted by militants. Police said, "It is an act of sectarian terrorism".

According to HRCP Vice Chairperson Tahir Hussain Khan, nearly 30,000 members of the Hazara community have migrated in the last five years from Balochistan to other parts of the country. Khan said that the flow of migration increased as nearly 1,000 members of the Hazara community have been killed in targeted attacks since 2009. Members of the Hazara community leaving Quetta and other parts of the province comprise businessmen, highly educated workers and senior government officials, amongst others, he added. While discussing sectarian violence in the Province, Khan warned, "This conflict can turn into a civil war if it is not addressed properly at this stage."

Khan, who is also the President of HRCP's Balochistan Chapter, added that more than 10,000 Hindus have also fled the province as abductions-for-ransom have become routine over the last three years here.

Two bullet-riddled dead bodies, identified as that of Fareed and Mohammad Saleem, were found in Mand area of Turbat District. According to Police, Saleem was kidnapped before being shot dead.

A terror attack was averted when a small bomb planted in the Fruit Mandi of Quetta failed to explode. A senior Police Official said that the IED was concealed in tomato crates. "Only the fuse of the IED went off causing panic and stampede in the market," SP Mohammad Jaffar said.

BDS officials said the bomb weighed around two kilogrammes. "There have been no casualties because the IED did not explode," a BDS official said. However, no outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

A woman was injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at the residence of a local PML-N leader Shakeel Durrani in Khuzdar District.

Afghan SFs killed two Pakistani nationals who had mistakenly entered into Afghanistan near Badini area of Qilla Saifullah District. A Levies official said that two shepherds had mistakenly slipped into Afghanistan from Badini. The Afghan SFs deployed at the border opened unprovoked fire without any warning killing the two shepherds on the spot. However, a levies officer, who was negotiating the return of the dead bodies said, "Afghan forces claim that the victims were Taliban insurgents". Home Secretary Balochistan, Syed Asad Gilani said, "I have ordered inquiry into the incident".

At least two unidentified persons were killed and a child was injured when unidentified militants opened fire at a barber shop on Sariab Road in Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan. Imran Qureshi, the SP said that the victims belonged to Punjab and were working on Sariab Road for a long time. "This was an act of targeted killing," the SP added.

Unidentified militants blew up a 16-inch diameter gas pipeline in Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District, suspending gas supply to the Sui plant from five pipelines. An official of the Levies personnel said that militants planted explosives in the pipeline of wells number 12, 15, 21, 23 and 29 in Dera Bugti. The explosive device was detonated via remote control, thereby damaging the pipeline and suspending gas supply from the wells to the Sui plant.

The two judge bench in the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk, during the hearing of the Balochistan target killing case directed the Defence Ministry to submit a report on the steps taken by military authorities for the trial of army officials involved in the Baloch 'missing' persons' cases. It asked the Deputy Attorney General Sajid Bhatti whether the Army has started any proceedings against the officials allegedly involved in enforced disappearances. Bhatti submitted that they have not received any kind of information from the Defence Ministry in this regard.

According to details, the Balochistan Government has agreed to refer 14 'missing' persons' cases to the Army for the trial of Frontier Corps and Intelligence Agency officials under the Army Act. Advocate General of Balochistan Nazimuddin Baloch submitted a report on behalf of the Chief Secretary of the province Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad regarding the 'missing' persons' issue. The detailed report suggests that as regards the prosecution of army officers, the Provincial Government suggests that the officers be tried under Pakistan Army Act.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the BNP-M, Jehanzeb Jamaldini, said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has failed to honour his commitment to resolve the Balochistan issue according to the wishes of Baloch people. He said that BNP-M leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal and the Prime Minister had discussed the Balochistan issue at a meeting and the PM had assured Mengal that the issue would be resolved in a political and peaceful way.

Jamaldini regretted that during the nine months of the PML-N Government, no change had been witnessed in conditions prevailing in the province. Rather, he said, the situation had deteriorated. He said they had expected that Sharif and Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch would resolve the Balochistan issue but their performance had caused disappointment. He said if the federal and provincial governments could not satisfy the BNP-M leadership, how they could engage militants in negotiations.

He further said that "hidden" elements wanted to isolate the BNP-M, adding that party workers were being harassed and attacked in different areas of the Province. "Recently some activists have been killed in targeted attacks in Khuzdar, Panjgur and Naseerabad areas."

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing the Cabinet Meeting in Islamabad said that USD 1.6 billion will be spent on different development projects in Balochistan, with Gwadar being developed as a model city. The Prime Minister said that the development in Balochistan was a priority for the Government and development plans to put the most neglected Province on road to progress, "were being implemented expeditiously." He said that Gwadar was being developed as a model city and a socio-economic package has been planned for it, adding that Gwadar Airport and Sea Port were being developed on modern lines. He told the Cabinet that USD 1.6 billion will be spent on these projects and added that he himself will monitor these projects.

At least four people, including a Police officer and a 14-year-old girl, were killed in separate incidents of violence in Quetta.

Militants shot dead a Police officer and critically injured his son in Sariab road area of Quetta. Imran Qureshi, the SP said two militants on a motorcycle sprayed bullets at the vehicle of ASI Police Kudratullah. He said the son of the ASI suffered serious wounds as a result of the attack.

In another incident of targeted killing armed men gunned down an Afghan national in the Satellite Town area. Police said two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at an Afghan national and killed him on the spot.

Two people were killed in a firing incident in the city's Kasi road area. Armed men opened fire at a house in Kasi road area and killed the two people including a 14-year old girl. "This was an act of tribal dispute," said a Police official.

A passer-by died after he stepped on a landmine planted by unidentified people in Pelough area of Dera Bugti District. "He sustained splinter wounds and died at the state-run hospital," a local official said, reports The Tribune.

A four-inch diameter gas pipeline was blown up in Sibi, suspending gas supply to Khajak Town which is the second largest village in the District.

Three unidentified militants were killed in an exchange of fire with FC troops in Tasp area of Panjgur District in Balochistan. According to an FC Spokesman, the miscreants fired on an FC patrol party in Tasp area of Panjgur. As the forces retaliated, the militants left three motorcycles on the spot and entered a hideout. An exchange of fire took place, during which three miscreants were killed and their bodies were recovered. A few other militants were injured and managed to flee.

Eight persons, including two Balochistan Frontier Corps personnel, were injured in a bomb explosion on the Mall Road of Chaman town in Qilla Abdullah District of Balochistan. District Police Officer Abdul Sattar Khan said that unidentified militants had planted an explosive device on a motorcycle which exploded as FC patrolling vehicles went past.

Balochistan CM Abdul Malik Baloch conceded that there are law and order problems in Panjgur, Kech and Kacchi Districts and said that the Government is taking measures to curb the lawlessness. He was speaking during a session of the Balochistan Assembly.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two persons, identified as Muhammad Ayub and Muhammad Asif, in Bulaida area of Turbat District in Balochistan. The victims were on way home when armed assailants riding a motorbike opened fire on them and fled from the scene. As a result, they died on the spot after receiving multiple bullets wounds.

Unidentified militants blew up a 16-inch diameter gas pipeline in Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District. Spokesman for the Levies force said that unidentified militants attached explosive devices with the gas pipeline and blew it up. The gas supply was suspended to some areas after the blast.

Unidentified militants fired a rocket at and then opened fire on a Police mobile in Chhattar area of Dera Murad Jamali town in Nasirabad District of Balochistan, leaving four Police personnel dead. Police said that the personnel in a Police mobile were on patrolling duty on Chhattar road when militants attacked their vehicle. "The armed attackers fired a rocket at the Police vehicle and also opened indiscriminate fire on it, leaving four Police personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector, dead," Police said, adding that the assailants managed to escape. The deceased were identified as ASI Kareem Bakhsh Bhangar, Hawaldar Rawat Domki, and Constables Sadora Khan Pahore and Abdul Wahid Bakhsh Parkani.

PM Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that the Balochistan people faced huge excesses in the past but it would not happen now. He termed democracy a self-regulated system of accountability and said the democratic norms were flourishing in the country. He said the Government wanted to ensure economic and political independence of the people and vowed to eliminate unemployment, inflation, illiteracy and sense of insecurity from the country. "Pakistan free from these evils is our goal," the PM said.

Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court Qazi Faez Isa dismissed an application submitted by Advocate Mohammed Ilyas Siddiqui on behalf of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf seeking an exemption from appearing in court in person for proceedings of the Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case. Chief Justice Isa directed the Government to ensure Musharraf's safety for the May 19, 2014, court hearing. However, he added that the former President can seek exemption from appearing before the court after he hears the charges.

ATC Quetta, Judge Justice Anwar Kasi had dismissed Musharraf's application for exemption from appearing in person, after which the petitioner had approached Balochistan High Court. ATC Quetta had issued five orders to Musharraf to appear in the case, but he is yet to make an appearance. The charge sheet in the case been submitted but a trial is yet to begin as Pervez Musharraf has never appeared in court to hear the charges. "If the charges were framed in the presence of the client then he would be at liberty to file application for exemption at a later stage," the court observed.

Two bullet-riddled dead bodies, identified as that of Adil Ayath Issazai and Mohammed Imdad Issazai, were found in Besima area of Washuk District. According to hospital sources, "The bodies bore bullet wounds and multiple marks of torture".

Another tortured dead body, identified as that of Fazalur Rehman, was found dumped in Kehkan area of Turbat District. The victim went missing on the night of April 30, 2014.

A dead body, identified as that of Mujeebullah Abdul Rasheed, was found from Muslim Bagh area of Qilla Saifullah District.

A convoy of SF, comprising 25 vehicles, escaped a landmine blast in Naag area of Washuk District. The convoy was going to Panjgur District from Washuk when one of the vehicles narrowly escaped the landmine explosion. The vehicle was partially damaged but no casualty was reported.

Unidentified armed assailants opened fire at a Police mobile on patrol in Hub town of Quetta. However, no casualty was reported in the attack.

An IED planted along the outer wall of Panhwar Sinari Police Station in Jaffarabad District was defused by Police. BDS official said the IED was packed with around 9 kilogram of explosives.

One FC official was killed and another was injured in a bomb explosion in Dhadar area of Bolan District. Khan Wasey, a spokesman for the FC, said that a SF vehicle was on routine patrolling when it was attacked in Bolan's Dhadar area in the morning. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Wasey said he suspected that the attack was the work of Baloch separatists operating in the area.

FC personnel claimed to have killed at least 10 militants during an operation in Panjgur District. Tree FC soldiers were injured in the exchange of fire. FC spokesman, Khan Wasey confirmed the incident. Khan said that the FC also destroyed three suspected militant hideouts and two vehicles. He said the forces initially faced resistance from the militants who were hiding in the mountains adding that the exchange of fire between the Security Forces and militants continued for more than two hours. "The dead militants belong to a banned Baloch militant group", he said.

The militants belonged to LeB and BLF. According to details, the operation took place after Latif Johar, a member of the separatist BSO-A, went on a hunger strike 11 days ago to demand the release of the group's chairman and more than 100 detained members.

A FC official was killed and three others were wounded when militants fired rocket propelled grenades and opened fire at their convoy in the Sunt Sar area of Gwadar District. The militants escaped after a brief exchange of fire. "The Baloch militants belonged to the banned BLF," said an unnamed security official in Gwadar.

A group of militants, identifying themselves as Tanzeem-ul-Islami-ul-Furqan (TIF), based in Panjgur District, threatened 23 English Language Learning Centres to shut down and stop imparting co-education and teaching in English, which they say is 'Haram (prohibited) in Islam'. Masked militants barged into one language centre and threatened the teachers and the young male and female students. "Co-education and learning English language is Haram," they told the teachers, according to one instructor who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The militants destroyed the school's furniture and tore textbooks during the incident.

At least two people were killed and 16 others were injured in an explosion near a NADRA office on Double Road in provincial capital Quetta. So far, no outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two children were injured when they touched a bomb planted on a roadside in Muslim Ittehad Colony area of Quetta.

At least four people were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Goth Muhammad Usman area of Jaffarabad District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

BDS defused two hand grenades in Muslim Ittehad Colony of Quetta.

Town Levies personnel were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a Levies check post in Khuzdar District. The militants reportedly fled from the scene taking away with them the weapons of the slain security personnel.

At least 19 persons, including Police personnel, were injured in a hand-held bomb blast targeting a Police checkpost at Chakar Khan Road area in Khuzdar District. "The militants sped away on their motorcycle after the attack," said Police Official Majeed Marri. No outfit claimed responsibility for the blast. However, Police suspected that Baloch separatists could be behind the attack.

Karachi's Lyari gangster Noor Mohammed, also known as Baba Ladla, was reportedly killed by Iranian border guards near the Pakistan-Iran border. "Baba Ladla was crossing the border when Iranian border guards opened fire at him. He received three bullet wounds and had died on the spot," source across the border said, adding that the guards had opened fire after Baba Ladla's car failed to stop for routine security check. His body is currently in the custody of Iranian border guards. Some sources said the incident took place at the international border crossing point Border 250 near Chahbahar, while other sources put the location at Mund Bullo. However, officials in Gawadar District said they did not know about the incident, nor had any Iranian officials approached them.

Police recovered five foreign nationals during a search operation in Turbat District. DPO Bashir Brohi said that a Police party conducted a raid in Overseas Colony in Turbat and recovered five foreigners. The foreign nationals include three Tanzanians, one Nigerian and one Kenyan. "The foreigners were chained inside a room in an abandoned house," Brohi added.

He further stated that two foreign nationals were abducted in 2012, two in 2013 and one was kidnapped in 2014, most probably from Karachi District of Sindh Province. "We are also interrogating the recovered foreign nationals," he said, adding that it was being probed as to how they had entered into Pakistan.

Due to threats and intimidation, all private educational institutions have remained closed for the past eight days in Panjgur District. Earlier on May 7, 2014, the private schools were shut down in the aftermath of threats by a newly surfaced militant outfit TIF. It had threatened to target private educational institutions, especially the English Learning Centers imparting co-education in Panjgur. "For the first time, we have heard about this militant organisation," a Police Officer said on condition of anonymity.

Haji Islam Baloch, a legislator from the ruling National Party, said that under a pre-planned conspiracy, children of Panjgur were being deprived of education. "They are destroying the future of our young generation," Baloch lamented during the session of the Balochistan Assembly on May 14 2014. An office bearer of the Panjgur Private Schools Association said, "We strongly condemn fanaticism and stand for a tolerant society." There were protesters who demanded that the Government provide security for male and female students studying in educational institutions.

Iranian border guards killed one Pakistani national and injured another near the Pakistan-Iran border in Panjgur District. Commissioner Mekran Division, Fateh Bhangar said that Iranian border guards had opened fire on Pakistani territory. "The Iranians resorted to unprovoked firing, killing one Pakistani national and injuring another," Bhangar said. The victims were identified as local Pakistani tribesmen. The border was temporarily closed after the incident.

FC and Balochistan Police intercepted a truck carrying a stockpile of weapons and ammunition during a raid in Jungle Pir Alizai area of Qila Abdullah District. The security personnel impounded the truck and seized its illicit cargo. According to the FC, Police and Security Forces in a joint search operation recovered 100 SMGs, three G-3 pistols, 136 single-barrel shot guns and one Kalashnikov, telescopes, and thousands of bullets.

FC and Balochistan Police intercepted a truck carrying a stockpile of weapons and ammunition during a raid in Jungle Pir Alizai area of Qila Abdullah District. The security personnel impounded the truck and seized its illicit cargo. According to the FC, Police and Security Forces in a joint search operation recovered 100 SMGs, three G-3 pistols, 136 single-barrel shot guns and one Kalashnikov, telescopes, and thousands of bullets.

Thousands of people took to the streets in Panjgur District to protest against the attacks on private schools which remained closed for the fifth consecutive day. More than four thousand people were estimated to have joined in demonstrations-including women, children, teachers and activists of BNP-Mengal and BNP-Awami. The protesters were carrying placards inscribed with slogans in support of their demands, primarily seeking security for the private schools.

Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch advised insurgent groups to 'revisit their approach' in order to lessen the sufferings of their brethren. "Historically, insurgency has given the Baloch people nothing save death and destruction and triggered forced migrations. This 12-year-long insurgency has destroyed the economy and disrupted social services in Balochistan," said Malik. "I've been mandated by the Federal Government to bring all Baloch leaders into the political mainstream. I want to persuade them to attain their rights through a democratic struggle. And I'm sure my efforts will yield results," he added.

An ATC in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan granted exemption to former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, from appearing in court for the hearing of Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case while ordering him to appear in court for the next hearing adjourned until June 16, 2014. Musharraf is on bail in the case. This is the sixth time that the Court has ordered for his appearance in court, but he has remained absent from all hearings despite assurance provided by his guarantors.

Two of the co-accused in the case, former Federal Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao and former Provincial Interior Minister Shoaib Nausherwani appeared in the hearing. Both submitted their requests for their acquittal from the Bugti case. The ATC issued notices to the relevant authorities.

One man was killed and another was injured in a landmine blast on Sui-Dera Bugti Road in Dera Bugti District. According to the levies sources, some unidentified militants had planted a landmine on the Road.

JUI-F Senator Hafiz Hamdullah alleged that there is an "Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) within the ISI" which is involved in kidnapping and killings of innocent people across Pakistan. He also said that the ISI was behind the incidents of missing persons and mass graves in Balochistan.

Six people, including a government school teacher, were shot dead when unidentified militants entered the residence of a school teacher, identified as Master Hameed, and opened fire at his five relatives in Dasht area of Turbat District. The owner of a roadside hotel, identified as Mohammed Hussain, was killed when unidentified militants fired a rocket targeting FC camp in Oshab area near Turbat District. Later, SFs launched a search operation in the area.

LEAs arrested an arms smuggler and seized a huge cache of arms, including 100 pistols, 10 rifles and 5000 rounds, from his truck during routine checking in provincial capital of Balochistan, Quetta. The identity of the accused was not disclosed who had been taken to some unknown location for interrogation.

As many as eight officials of Balochistan Levies were killed and three others injured as unidentified assailants attacked Jauhar check-post along Quetta-Karachi Highway in Wadh tehsil of Khuzdar District in Balochistan. According to Wadh assistant commissioner, unidentified armed assailants attacked with heavy weapons the Jauhar post of Levies in the area, leaving eight officials killed and three injured. The assailants escaped after the attack.

Unidentified militants abducted five children belonging to Hindu community from Dera Allah Yar area of Jaffarabad District. Syed Zafar Ali Shah, the Deputy Commissioner Jaffarabad said that the children were coming back from school when they were abducted by the militants near Dera Allah Yar and are suspected to have shifted all five of them to Ratodero area of Larkana District in Sindh Province. "The age of the children is five to 10," said Syed Ashfaq Ahmed, the DPO Jaffarabad. No outfit claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

Law Enforcement Agencies arrested three suspects after registration of FIR against a tribal elder, identified as Mir Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal, and 100 others in connection with the killing of eight Levies personnel on May 25, 2014 in Wadh area of Khuzdar District. "Law Enforcement Agencies have arrested three suspects, including an injured man, in connection with the deadly attack on Levies check-post," Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said.

The SFs foiled a sabotage bid and defused a 40 kilogrammes IED, planted beside a railway track near Duzan Railway Station area of Bolan District in Balochistan.

Security Forces killed at least 30 militants during a search operation in Dera Bugti District of Balochistan. During a press conference, Provincial Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said that security personnel conducted raids in different areas of Dera Bugti. He said one SF personnel was killed and eight others were injured during an exchange of fire with militants."Security personnel also faced resistance from the miscreants," Bugti added.

Two dead bodies were recovered from Jhwan area of Kalat District in Balochistan. Kalat's Assistant Commissioner Sultan Bugti said some passersby spotted the bodies and informed the Balochistan Levies.

A bullet-riddled body of a teacher was found in Pedarak area of Kech District. Some people of the area spotted a body and informed the paramilitary force. The cause of his death could not be ascertained.

As many as 23 Shia pilgrims were killed and many injured in bomb explosions and firing in Taftan tehsil of Chaghai District in Balochistan. The attackers barged into the Al-Murtaza hotel and Hashmi hotel located in Taftan minutes after the pilgrims arrived at the hotels. They hurled hand grenades and opened indiscriminate fire with modern weapons killing 23 persons on the spot.

10 BLA militants were killed in an operation by the FC in the Kandiari area of Dera Bugti District. Three hideouts of the militants have also been destroyed. The SFs also recovered explosives, IEDs and landmines from the possession of militants. According to the IG FC, the militants were involved in attacks on Sui-gas installations and the railway track.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a man in the Sariab area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, in the morning.

Unidentified militants torched a tanker carrying fuel for NATO troops near Dera Allahyar in Jaffarabad District. The tanker caught fire after firing. However, the driver and cleaner managed to escape unhurt from the spot.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Khan Bugti said that talks were not possible with those who challenged Government's writ and took up arms, but dialogue would be held with those who lay down their arms. He said that the Federal Government was cooperating for the establishment of peace in the Province. He added that solid steps were being taken for establishing peace in Balochistan. He said that a foreign hand was behind terrorism in Balochistan while there were 34 terrorist camps in the neighbouring country where terrorists were being given training and sent to Balochistan.

At least two personnel, identified as Jan Mohammad and trooper Saleem Kakar of the FC were killed and five others were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Awaran District. FC Spokesperson Khan Wasey said that the bomb hit an FC convoy that was moving from Awaran to Mashkey area. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

The death toll on June 8 suicide attacks in Taftan town located at the Pakistan-Iran border in Chaghai District rose to 30. Earlier reported, 23 Shia pilgrims were killed and many injured in bomb explosions and firing in Taftan.

A PML-N leader, identified as Mohammad Alam, was shot dead in the early hours when unidentified assailants opened fire at him in Khuzdar District of Balochistan.

The Security of Balochistan's prisons have been increased to avoid any untoward incident. Inspector General of Balochistan Prisons Bashir Bangulzai said additional personnel of law enforcement agencies had been deployed at and around all six jails of the province. "On the directives of the Home Department, a new security plan has been chalked out for the jails," he said. He noted that the Central Jail Mach, District Jail Quetta, Central Jail Gadani and Central Jail, Khuzdar, have been declared sensitive where security men equipped with the latest weapons are on high alert. "We have requested the deployment of the Frontier Corps outside the Mach jail from the provincial government," he said, adding that the response from the Home Department is awaited in this connection. About the number of prisoners in Balochistan, the IG said that there are over 300 hardened criminals in the jails while other inmates numbered over 3,000.

Handery Masieh, member of the Balochistan Assembly and Balochistan National Party leader, was killed by his guard in the Nawan Killi area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Jan Muhammad Buledi, the spokesperson of Balochistan Government, said that Masieh's security guard opened fire on him outside his residence as a result of which he suffered serious bullet wounds. "Masieh succumbed to his injuries in the hospital," Buledi added. "Yes this was an act of targeted killing", he said. Buledi stated that initially the accused opened fire at the nephew of Masieh who is also injured in the incident. "Then the accused opened indiscriminate firing at the slain legislator," the spokesman stated.

The Balochistan Government deployed more Frontier Corps troops in the area connecting the province with South Waziristan to check the influx of people fleeing North Waziristan where the military has launched an operation against militants. A meeting held at Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan and presided over by CM Malik Baloch discussed the possibility of terrorist attacks in the province and measures to cope with the threat. It revised a security plan for the provincial capital and other towns in the province.

Environmental Tribunal Judge, identified as Sakhi Sultan, was killed in a firing incident in Jinnah Town area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

One person was killed by unidentified assailants at Fida Mohammad near the FC Qilla on the Pak-Afghan Road in Qilla Abdullah District.

LEA foiled a potential terrorism bid by defusing an explosive device on Quetta-Sibi highway in the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. According to Levies sources, the remote-controlled device contained some 15 kilogram of explosive material.

Judicial Magistrate, Ziarat Jam Saka Dashti was abducted by militants near Saranan area of Pishin District.

A Hindu trader, identified as Bhagwan Das, was killed by unidentified assailants in Khuzdar District.

The monthly security report of the Conflict Monitoring Centre (CMC) said that militants' activities have drastically decreased after the launch of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, not only in FATA/KP but also in Balochistan. According to the CMC statistics, SFs conducted 127 actions across Pakistan (including those conducted under the NWA operation) in which 517 suspected militants were killed, 25 others injured and 1,167 suspects arrested. Severity of the security forces' actions can be gauged from the fact that the number of deaths has witnessed an almost 189pc increase as compared to the previous month. Over 251 pc increase in the number of arrests clearly suggests that security forces have also tightened the noose around the neck of the militants in various parts of the country and arrested many of their operatives as well as supporters while making an effective use of intelligence.

Two persons were killed as a result of firing in Tasap area of Panjgur District in Balochistan. One of the victims was identified as Ilyas son of Muhammad Islam resident of Tasap, the official said, adding that the motive behind the killing could not be ascertained.

Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Department sources said that over 800 bodies were found in Balochistan during last three-and-a-half years, with most of them being found in Quetta, Khuzdar and Makran belt. The sources said that 466 victims were identified as ethnic Baloch, 123 as Pashtuns, and 107 from other ethnicities. Meanwhile, 107 bodies remained unidentified. Of the 466 Baloch killed in the Province, most were political workers while the remaining were killed in incidents of targeted killings, tribal disputes, domestic violence etc, the Home Department sources explained.

A local PML-N District leader was killed by unidentified assailants in Kalat District.

At least four persons including two Policemen were killed in two different incidents of firing in Quetta. Two persons were killed by unidentified assailants at a tailor's shop in Killi Bangulzai area of Quetta. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack.

Two Policemen were killed by unidentified assailants in Kuchlak area of Quetta.

Armed militants gunned down five FC personnel in Dukki area of Loralai District during pre-dawn hours. A security official said that the gunmen attacked with automatic weapons at a check-post of the FC in Dukki area of Loralai District. He said another FC soldier deployed at the check-post sustained serious bullet wounds.

A person and his son were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kalat town of Kalat District. The victims were identified as Raheem Bakhsh and Sanaullah.

An FCs vehicle was badly damaged in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Shapak area of Kech District. However, no loss of life was reported.

SFs foiled a major terrorist attack and defused three kilograms of explosives material planted on the roadside in Bogi area of Dera Bugti District and arrested six suspected militants.

Four persons were killed in firing outside a mosque as they came out after offering the Friday prayers in the area of Satellite Town in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

One FC personnel was injured when the FC convoy he was travelling in came under attack at on Mastung road, the outskirts of Quetta.

A convoy of Pakistan Navy was attacked by unidentified assailants in the Dasht area of Kech District.

At least three persons, including one FC personnel were killed and 27 others, including five FC personnel, were injured when IED attached to a motorcycle exploded in Seerat Chowk area of Khuzdar town (Khuzdar District) in Balochistan. A Police official, Muhammad Anwar, said that the target of the explosion was the FC vehicle. The FC vehicle was slightly damaged and most of the victims were civilians.

Two Police Constables, identified as Munir Ahmed and Naseebullah, were killed by unidentified assailants on Sariab Road in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Two people were gunned down on link Badini Road area of Sariab while a bullet-riddled body was recovered from Kuchlak in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan province. A man identified as Master Abdul Khaliqdad allegedly opened gunfire on two persons on Link Badini Road area of Sariab. As a result, both the victims were killed on the spot.

One person was killed and at least 13 people were injured in a bomb explosion at the Sharah-e-Iqbal (Kandahari Bazaar) locality of Quetta. Police said "It was an IED and planted near an open sewage line passing in front of a shoe shop."

SFs recovered 10 kilogram of explosives from a house in the Dera Bugti town of Quetta. Acting on a tip off, the SFs raided at a house and seized the explosive devices along with detonators and fuse in Bugti Colony. The SFs said "The explosive devices were being made for sabotage acts across the area by unknown suspects."

At least seven persons were injured in a blast targeting a bus in the Garisha area of Khuzdar District. However, there was no claim of responsibility for the attack.

A passenger train escaped a bomb explosion in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. SP Imran Qureshi said that the bomb went off in Mosa Colony, damaging the railway track prior to the arrival of Quetta Express. Qureshi said that two persons were injured in the blast. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. However, Police suspect Baloch separatists to be behind the incident.

Two persons, identified as Zakir Hussain and Ghulam Hussain, were killed by unidentified assailants in Sabzal road area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. The victims belonged to the Shia Hazara community. The banned outfit Jaesh-ul-Islam (JuI) has claimed responsibility for the killings.

Three persons, including a woman, were killed in Panjgur District of Balochistan Province. According to reports, unidentified armed men barged into a house in Prom tehsil of Panjgur District and killed two men, identified as Anwar Baloch, Firdos and a woman.

Two persons including a child were killed in a firing incident in Pashtunabad area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Police told that unidentified gunmen opened fire at a rickshaw and killed its driver. A child playing in the street was also killed when a stray bullet him.

A local leader of PML-N was shot dead in his home on the outskirts of Khuzdar town in Khuzdar District.

A commander of peace force Ajab Khan Shambani Bugti was killed in a landmine blast near Dera Bugti town of Dera Bugti District.

Unidentified armed motorcyclists attacked Levies force personnel identified as Muhammad Ejaz in Tump area of Turbat as he was returning home after routine duty. He sustained bullet wounds and breathed his last on the spot.

Unidentified armed men opened fire and killed Muhammad Ramzan in Dasht Mughalzai of District Kalat and fled.

The Khuzdar Press Club was closed after unidentified people issued threats to local reporters. An official of the Khuzdar administration said that the club's office-bearers had decided to close the facility after receiving threats over the past two weeks. He said journalists associated with different media groups had stopped working.

At least two personnel of the Balochistan Constabulary were killed and several others were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on their vehicle in Splanji area of Mastung District. So far, no outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Armed abductors barged in to the house of BNP-M member Mullah Yousuf and kidnapped four people, identified as Mohammad Musa, Khair Bakhsh, Rasheed and Sabir, at gun point in Kolanch area of Pasni town in Gwadar District. Yousuf was elected member of the District Council in the local government elections held in December 2013.

Unidentified militants kidnapped two people, identified as Muhammad Azim and his driver, after intercepting his vehicle in Jusak area of Turbat District.

At least seven militants and two security personnel were killed and more than 20 others were injured in an operation in Turbat District after unidentified militants opened fire at a SFs convoy in the same area. Home Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti confirmed that seven militants were killed and more than 20 injured in the clashes, adding that weapons were also recovered from the possession of militants. SFs launched an operation in the area in the aftermath of attack at forces' convoy by militants in Nasirabad area of the District.

Unidentified militants opened fire and killed a Balochistan Constabulary officer, identified as Aziz Ahmed, near the Governor House in GPO Chowk in Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan.

At least 12 persons, including two Police Officials, were injured when an IED exploded near the Deputy Commissioner Office on Mall Road in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District.

Private schools and language centres in Panjgur District which were closed in mid May 2014 because of threats from an unknown religious organisation have reopened after the Government assured them of providing protection to them against such threats. "All the 23 private English medium schools and language centres started functioning from August 6, 2014 in the entire Panjgur District," a senior official of the local administration said, adding that all possible protection would be provided to teachers and students of these institutions.

Two people, including a woman, identified as Rehana Bibi, and a boy, identified as Inzimam Khudabaksh Baloch (11), were killed after being caught in crossfire between militants and Security Forces (SFs) in Kharan District. According to Balochistan Levies official, a group of armed militants opened fire at FC check post on Quetta Road near Sheikh Masjid in Kharan District, sparking retaliatory fire. SFs launched a search operation in the area following the attack.

Two unidentified decomposed dead bodies were found dumped in Mandrani area of Sui in Dera Bugti District. According to Levies officials, the victims were shot after being tortured and their identities could not be determined till the filing of this report.

Despite the first reported case of polio in over a year in Balochistan surfacing in July 2014, the Government postponed its immunisation drive in parts of the province since it cannot provide security. A three day anti-polio drive scheduled for provincial capital Quetta and Pishin District from August 11 to August 13, 2014 has been postponed.

Three people travelling in a motor rickshaw sustained injuries when a bomb exploded on Maal Road in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. Police said that unknown men had planted an explosive device in a motorcycle and parked it on the Road near a market.

At least 22 persons were injured when a bomb went off near a market in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. "The bomb was detonated with a timer and was planted near a small roadside stall, Quetta Police Chief Abdul Razzak Cheema said.

A FC official was killed and another was injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast close to a SF vehicle that was on routine patrol near Sharifabad Chowk in Hazarganji area of provincial capital Quetta.

At least 12 militants, wearing suicide vests and armed with RPGs and automatic weapons were killed and 11 SFs were injured in an 11-hour gun battle near Khalid Aviation Airbase and Samungli Airbase in Quetta. The SFs also detained five suspects in a search operation conducted in connection with the attack targeting the Samungli airbase.

TTP Ghalib Mehsud faction claimed responsibility for the attack on the Airbases in Quetta. Ghalib Mehsud is the leader of Fidayeen-e-Islam which is the suicide wing of TTP. Commander Southern Command, Lieutenant General Nasir Khan Janjua said, "They all seemed to be foreign nationals." SP Imran Qureshi Police said, "All dead terrorists seem to be Uzbeks." The Balochistan Government has decided to conduct DNA tests of all 12 terrorists killed.

TTP spokesperson Azam Tariq said that the attack was in retaliation for Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Speaking to the media via telephone, he said the attacks on both airbases were carried out by militants from different groups, including Khalid Mehsud alias Sajna's Ishtehadi Group, Umar Khalid Khorasani's Afia Brigade and IMU suicide bombers under TTP Commander Salar Mehsud. "The Government initiated the drama of peace talks and later held the Taliban responsible for its failure," the TTP spokesperson said. "In fact, it was the government's plan to initiate military action and displace tribesmen."

One FC official was killed and another was injured after their patrolling vehicle was bombed with an IED in the Sariab area of Quetta. "An FC man was killed, while another is critically wounded," senior Police Officer Imran Qureshi said.

The Judicial Commission, headed by Justice Noor Muhammad Maskanzai of the Balochistan High Court, formed to probe the 13 mass graves discovered in Totak area of Khuzdar District on January 27, 2014, absolved the Armed Forces and Intelligence Agencies of responsibility in the case. Chief Minister Malik Baloch had established the Commission to conduct an inquiry into the mass graves on February 1, 2014.

The report said, "No one has recorded any statement against the Armed Forces and Security Agencies." It further stated, "No evidence of involvement of Intelligence Agencies has been found in connection with the mass graves." The Commission recorded the statements of 57 individuals in connection with the case but stated that only witness number 38 had recorded statements against intelligence agencies but that could not be verified.

The Commission, however, mentioned that it was the core responsibility of the administration to protect the lives and properties of the people, and that the recovery of mass graves was the result of negligence on part of the civil administration. "There has to be no private check posts in the area," the report recommended, asking the Provincial Government to step up efforts to ensure rule of law in the region.

However, the VBMP has rejected the report and termed it an effort to conceal facts. "Security Agencies are involved in killing and dumping of people in Balochistan," Chairman VBMP Nasrullah Baloch said.

Two Constables, identified as Khurshid and Majeed, were shot dead while patrolling on Sakran Road in the industrial town of Hub in provincial capital Quetta. "The Police personnel were targeted when they were on official duty," said a senior Police Officer, Zia Man-dokhel.

FC personnel foiled a terror bid during raids in Quetta and Chagai District. In the first raid, a huge cache of arms and ammunition that was dumped underground in a compound was recovered during the operation in Quetta. Home Minister, Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said that the SFs had received a tip off regarding the presence of arms and ammunition and conducted operations in the two areas.

In the second raid, FC personnel arrested three suspects in an operation conducted at a house in Faisal Colony of Dalbandin area in Chagai District. The suspects were accused of dumping weapons to carry out terrorist activities in several areas of the Province. Arms and ammunition seized by SFs included anti-tank mines, rockets, hand grenades, detonators and other weapons.

FC claimed to have killed 16 militants during an operation in Dasht area of Turbat District. Khan Wasey, the spokesman for FC said that SFs launched an operation against miscreants in Dasht, adding, "At least 12 militants were killed in armed clashes." Later, four more suspected militants were killed in the exchange of fire. "Gun battle is ongoing in Dasht since afternoon," a levies official said on condition of anonymity.

A paramilitary soldier, identified as Naik Mohabat Khan, was killed in an exchange of fire with militants who entered from Afghanistan into Muslim Bagh town in Qilla Saifullah District. "Around 70 to 80 armed men, smugglers and militants, tried to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan near Muslim Bagh in Qila Saifullah. FC personnel, primarily responsible for guarding border, tried to stop them when they opened fire," said Khan Wasay. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police and the Bomb Disposal Squad personnel foiled an attempt to attack a government installation by defusing an IED planted in a rickshaw near a transmitter of Radio Pakistan in Musa Colony area on Sariab Road in provincial capital Quetta.

At least one person was killed and 15 others were injured in a hand grenade explosion at a hotel on Prince Road in the provincial capital Quetta. Razaq Cheema, the CCPO Quetta said that all victims in the blast were civilians who had gathered in the hotel for breakfast. No outfit claimed of responsibility for the attack.

At least three people were injured when an IED planted inside the bathroom exploded inside coach number 8 of the Quetta-Rawalpindi passenger train Jaffar Express at Sibi Railway Station in Sibi District. Three people were reportedly injured in the blast but were discharged after getting first aid. However, no loss of life was reported. The 'spokesperson' of BRA Sarbaz Baloch called Quetta Press Club and claimed the responsibility for the attack.

A woman was wounded when militants blew up the shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh Taqi Baba in Mastung District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified militants torched a private school in Panjgur District and threatened to close down all the 23 private schools if the co-education system continued in the region. The militants entered the school, which was closed due to a strike, and doused petrol and set the principal's office on fire. "A group called Tanzeem-ul-Islam-ul-Furqan had been threatening us. The group had also beaten up the driver of the school van and harassed two students," said Major Hussain, the school's principal.

He added that the DPO Panjgur Samiullah Soomro informed them that close aides of these groups had been arrested and Police made progress in investigation. "The DPO said the incident was a reaction to the arrest of the close aides of the miscreants," informed Major. He further informed that he received a threatening call on August 14, 2014, asking why the school did not organise a special function on the eve of Independence Day.

Senior journalist and Secretary General of BUJ Irshad Mastoi, trainee reporter Abdul Rasul and an accountant Mohammed Younus of a news agency were shot dead in Kabir Building near Jinnah Road in Quetta. According to SHO Bijli Road Police Station, Hashim Shah, two militants barged into the office of the news distribution agency Online News and opened fire at the people inside.

Three SFs personnel were injured when militants attacked a SF convoy that was guarding gas fields in Harnai District.

Two unidentified militants opened fire on three NATO tankers near Mastung Bazar in Mastung District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified militants opened fire on worshippers at a shrine in Awaran District of Balochistan, killing at least six persons and wounding seven others. The attack came at a shrine of the Zikri community in the Awaran District. "Three gunmen came on two motorbikes and fired at the worshippers, praying at sunset. "At least six people have been killed and seven others are injured," Akbar Harifal, the senior administration official in the area said.

A private container's driver was shot dead and a cleaner was injured by unidentified assailants on the National Highway in Dera Murad Jamali area of Nasirabad District.

At least 12 militants and one FC official were killed in exchange of fire in Gomazai area of Turbat District in Balochistan. An FC spokesperson said the security personnel, on secret information, launched a search operation in Gomazai area of Turbat. The militants present in the area offered resistance which led to exchange of fire.

Some armed religious fanatics of a hitherto unknown Al Jihad organisation set a private English medium school on fire in Turbat area of the Kech District. They also left pamphlets with the name of Al Jihad in the school and in the area, warning the people of Balnigore to desist from sending their children to English medium schools to study English or risk unspecified repercussions.

Unidentified militants shot dead a BNP leader, Eid Muhammad, near Pak Quran Chowk, an intersection in Sarawan area of Panjgur town (Panjgur District) in Balochistan. Police said Muhammad shopped at a market and was on his way home when the assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on him near Pak Quran Chowk. The attackers managed to flee from the scene.

A bomb went off near a Motorway Police car in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, leaving the vehicle badly damaged. However, no causality was reported.

One person, identified as Amjad, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Washbod area of Panjgur District.

Imran Khan claimed massive poll rigging in Balochistan and revealed that incumbent CM Abdul Malik, General Abdul Qadir and former PM Zafarullah Jamali were elected through "match fixing" and ballot stuffing. Imran said "those responsible for this pre-planned poll rigging" were PM Nawaz Sharif, former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and journalist Najam Sethi.

At least three militants were killed and three security personnel were injured in an armed clash in Ahmedwal area of Noushki District.

A 24-inch diameter gas pipeline was blown up in Lunda Nullah area of Pir Koh area in Dera Bugti District of Balochistan that suspended gas supply to the main Sui plant from the Pir Koh purification plant. According to Dera Bugti Police, unidentified militants planted explosives to the main gas pipeline in Lunda Nullah area, about three kilometers from the Dera Bugti Police Station, which exploded.

The FC started digging 480-Kilometre-long trenches along the border with Afghanistan in order to curb incursions across this border into Pakistan. Colonel Faheem Babar, Commandant Qila Saifullah Scouts said, "We want to check incursions of terrorists and smugglers into Pakistan and the trenches will help control the situation along the Afghan border."

According to the FC, there is no 'frequent route' along the 1,270-kilometre-long Pak-Afghan border which also includes the rough terrain of mountains. Terrorists and smugglers often take advantage of these infrequent routes to enter Pakistan illegally. "They easily smuggle goods into Pakistan without paying taxes and custom duties," an FC official said.

Unidentified militants blew up a railway track in the Bala Nari area of Bolan District in Balochistan. According to the official sources, the militants had planted explosives close, which resulted in blowing up of two-foot track. The train service was suspended temporarily following the blast.

At least three persons including one FC personnel were killed and 22 others were injured in a remote controlled bomb explosion in Satellite Town area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Two persons were injured as NATO container was attacked by militants in Bypass area of Chaman in Qilla Abdullah District. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

SFs arrested three Navy officials involved in an attack at West Wharf Naval dockyard in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, from the Lak Pass area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. A security official, who requested anonymity, said that acting on intelligence reports, SFs conducted raids in the outskirts of Quetta and picked up three suspects.

The FC (Balochistan) IG Major General Ejaz Shahid urged for cooperation among the LEA's to be improved in order to achieve 'durable' peace in Balochistan. Shahid said that every institution needs to play its role adequately. "FC will always be there to help the civil administration in any part of the province," he added.

According to the report, he was reviewing the law and order situation and possible spill over of terrorists to Zhob District of Balochistan in the wake of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA of FATA.

At least four personnel of Levies and Balochistan Constabulary were injured in a clash with militants in Naal area of Khuzdar District. Later, the Levies authorities claimed they seized two vehicles and 25 sub-machineguns after the clash.

A security official was killed in a remote-controlled bomb blast targeting SFs vehicle in Shapuk area of Kech District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

An unnamed Police ASI was shot dead by unidentified militants in the Double Road area of Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan.

SFs claimed to have foiled a terror bid by seizing 250 kilogram of explosives during a raid in Hazarganji area of Quetta. An unnamed security official said that the explosives and other weapons were dumped into a valley and were recovered following intelligence reports.

At least 13 people, including two children and a woman, were wounded when an IED that was fitted to a cycle exploded outside the Khilji Mutton restaurant on Samungali Road in Punj Fitti area of Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least 11 people were killed during an armed clash between two rival militant outfits in Bal Gitar area of Turbat District. An unnamed security official said that armed militants attacked the convoy of Yaqoob Balgatheri, a militant 'commander' in the Bil Gitar area of Hoshap, killing him and 10 others in the attack. "The assailants belonged to a defunct Baloch separatist group," added the security official.

Three dead bodies were found in Wadh tehsil of Khuzdar District. One of the victims was identified as Aziz Mengal, while the other two are yet to be identified.

Three militants were shot dead and four others arrested by Security Forces in the Lop area of Wadh in Khuzdar District. "FC killed three militants and arrested four belonging to LeB and banned UBA," said the FC spokesperson.

Unidentified persons abducted five persons, including an official of the Revenue Department, from the Maro area of Dera Bugti District.

Levies personnel found two bullet-riddled dead bodies in the Pidark area of Turbat District. The victims remain unidentified.

According to sources in Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Department, more than 50 bodies were recovered in Quetta and other towns of Balochistan during this year (2014). However, Baloch nationalists contradict the official figure and claim that the number of bodies recovered was more than what was being quoted by the home department.

An unnamed security official revealed that FC and personnel of the anti-terrorists force in a joint raid recovered 800 hand grenades, 200 kilogram of explosives, 13 RPG launcher, and electric detonators from Al-Gilani Road area of Quetta. "We foiled a major bid of terror. Forces found weapons dumped in a water tank near the residence of JWP leader Nawabzada Shah Zain Bugti," CCPO Abdul Razzaq Cheema said.

Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani called for action against terrorist groups in southern Punjab and Balochistan, saying the 'successful' Zarb-e-Azb operation was not enough to end the terrorist threat in the country. "Terrorism cannot be eliminated without intelligence-based operations throughout the country - particularly in Southern Punjab and Sindh," he said. He called for greater focus of these operations in Southern Punjab and Balochistan and a stronger political backing for these actions.

Police recovered three mutilated dead bodies from Rakhshan Nadi and Washbud areas of Panjgur District. A Police Officer Murad Buledi said, "All victims have received multiple bullets."

The PTI Government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa decided in principle to remove 'objectionable material' from the textbooks of local primary schools in their attempt to please their coalition partner, JeI. An unnamed senior official of the Education Department said that JeI leaders had voiced reservations about the printing of pictures of minor girls without dupatta, Christmas cake and a Cross emblem on an ambulance instead of Crescent, the mention of good morning instead of Assalam-u-Alaikum, and presence of some other 'objectionable' stuff in textbooks for primary schools.

At least two persons were killed and 15 others injured when an explosion occurred in Sibi town in Sibi District.

A gas pipeline was blown up in the Zain Bugti area of Dera Bugti District, suspending gas supply from Well No. 10 to the Sui plant in the area. BRA claimed responsibility for the attack, and its spokesperson vowed to continue targeting gas pipelines and Security Forces in the District.

Four people including two teenage boys were killed and ten others injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at a barber shop near the Sirki Kalan area on Double Road in Quetta.

Two people were injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at a photographer's shop on Sariab Road.

Five persons were killed and dozens injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in Hazara Town in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, where people were shopping for Eid.

At least three persons were killed and two others were injured in a firing incident in Zehri area of Khuzdar District. Levies officials said that it was not yet confirmed whether the attack was an incident of targeted killing or the result of a tribal dispute.

One person was killed and two others were injured by unidentified assailants at a seminary situated in Multani Mohalla area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

One person was killed and another was injured by unidentified assailants at Bilal Masjid in Quetta.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Malik Baloch said that he cannot rule out the presence of ISIS militants in the province.

Regarding missing persons' issue, the Chief Minister said that his Government was determined and its top priority was to recover the missing persons. He, however, admitted that so far "no considerable progress has been made with regard to missing persons."

A roadside bomb exploded near a Police vehicle on Mastung Road in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. No one was hurt in the explosion.

Zohra Yusuf, the chairperson of the HRCP said that Balochistan has been made a fertile place for armed religious extremists under a plan and as a result about 300,000 Shias, Zikris, and Hindus have migrated to other areas of the country. She expressed concern over the migration of Shias, Zikris, settlers and Hindus due to lack of security in Balochistan.

Militants attacked a Police check-post in Gharibabad area of Kalat Town in Kalat District. However, personnel inside the check-post remained unhurt.

A FC official was killed and three others were injured when Iranian border forces opened fire across Pakistan border in the Mand town of Ketch District in Balochistan.

At least eight Punjabi poultry farm labourers were found dead in the Sakran area of Hub tehsil in Lasbela District. Police sources said that unknown armed men had kidnapped nine labourers from a poultry farm in Sakran on October 18 and killed eight of them after checking their identity cards.

Unidentified militants abducted six persons from Rodnejo area of Kalat District in Balochistan. The militants seized the men while they were heading home in the Rodnejo area.

Nine members of the Hazara community were shot dead in sectarian target killings in different parts of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. Eight of them were killed in a single incident, which took place early in the morning in the Hazarganji area. The men were gunned down by unidentified militants as they were about to leave the area's vegetable market. "The five masked men boarded the bus in which the victims were seated, forced the driver off, and shot them," Sariab SSP Imran Qureshi said. "They killed one man outside the bus and the others inside it before fleeing on their motorcycles," he said. "Eight men were killed and another one was wounded in the sectarian attack," confirmed Quetta CCPO Abdul Razzaq Cheema. "All of them had come from Hazara Town to buy vegetables for their shops," he said. An hour after the Hazarganji killings, armed men on a motorbike shot dead another member of the Hazara community in Kirani Road area.

One person was killed and 22 injured in suicide blast targeting JUI-F Maulana Fazlur Rahman on Meckangi Road of Quetta, moments after he ended his address at a rally in Sadiq Shaheed football ground. The JUI-F chief remained unhurt as he claimed to be the target of the suicide bombing. "My car was damaged but we remained unhurt as my car was bullet-proof," Fazl told reporters after the blast. This attack was the third attempt on Maulana Fazlur Rahman.

Two persons were killed while another 12 were injured in an explosion on Qambarani road of Quetta.

Balochistan Police Department constituted three teams headed by two senior officers to probe the recent acts of terrorism in the capital. CCPO Quetta, Razzaq Cheema formed investigation teams headed by SSP Asad Raza and SSP Operations Aitzaz Goraya, to probe the recent incidents in Quetta. According to a senior police officer, the CCPO entrusted the task of investigation to both officers and directed them to submit reports as early as possible.

SFs foiled a major terrorism plot when they seized a huge cache of arms and explosives during a raid at a house in Kanak area of Mastung District. An unnamed official said that a suspect was arrested during the raid and was shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation. He further said that the intelligence suggested that the explosive material and weapons were being brought to Quetta to carry out terrorism activities during the holy month of Muharram.

Unidentified militants opened fire at a vehicle and killed two civilians near Pakistan-Iran border town of Mashkail in Washuk District. According to Levies officials, "The pick-up was loaded with Iranian diesel and petrol and caught fire. Both persons inside the vehicle were burnt to death". No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Three illegal injured Afghan nationals were arrested by Balochistan Levies personnel in Zhob District. According to details, "A pickup was on its way to Dera Ismail Khan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province when it was stopped by security personnel near a check post in Zhob. Upon search, Police found three Afghan nationals injured with bullet wounds," Zhob Deputy Commissioner Nazir Mohammed Kethran said.

CCPO Quetta, Razaq Cheema while addressing a press conference said that 71 pickets manned by 525 Policemen were established in Quetta during Muharram. He said a ban was also imposed on pillion riding from 7th to 10th Muharram.

Police recovered two charred dead bodies, identified as that of Sabzal Reki and Abdul Rauf, from a car in the Maskhail area of Washuk District. Police said that the victims were shot dead before their bodies were set on fire.

A kidnapper and an abductee, identified as Juma Khan, were killed after a group of people resisting the kidnapping opened fire on the six armed abductors in the Dasht-e-Laila area of Mashkail town in Washuk District.

A journalist associated with Dawn, identified as Hafeezullah Sherani, was picked up from his residence around 3:00 a.m. in the morning and beaten up by Quetta Police. Sherani said police constables hit his face and tore off his clothes. No comment of police high ups was available and telephone calls to CCPO Quetta Razzaq Cheema went unanswered despite several attempts.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said that alongside other parts of the region Balochistan is facing sectarian terrorism, extremism and insurgency but his Government is taking all possible steps to solve these problems. He said that with the capacity building of Police and other provincial forces, the Government had succeeded to improve law and order in the Province.

Chief Minister Dr. Malik Baloch said that some elements want to impose their agenda on the people through the use of force and that he had no information about the presence of ISIS in the Province. However, he said that there are fundamentalists whose approach is similar to that of ISIS.  The Chief Minister termed past policies of rulers as the underlying reason behind the unrest in Balochistan, plagued by growing sectarianism and violent attacks by Baloch separatists.

The driver of a NATO container was injured in an ambush near Samungli in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. According to Police, a Karachi-bound container from Afghanistan was on its way when assailants opened fire on it and fled. Driver Muhammad Kashif received injuries.

SFs claimed to have arrested nine suspects in connection with the kidnapping and killing of eight Punjabi labourers in Sakran town of Hub tehsil in Lasbela District on October 19, 2014. According to officials, the suspects were detained during an operation launched by police and personnel of other law-enforcement agencies in Sakran and adjoining areas.

BNP-M leader Lal Jan Baloch went missing from Uthal area of Lasbela District. “Lal Jan was present on his farmland in Uthal when Security Forces whisked him away along with two of his farm labourers,” BNP-M’s acting chief organiser Dr. Janzeb Jamaldini alleged.

SFs escaped a bomb blast that occurred in the Shalkot area of Quetta. However, no casualty was reported.

FC foiled a terror bid, ahead of Muharram processions by seizing a huge cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation from Gulistan tehsil of Qila Abdullah District. FC personnel recovered 4,000 kilograms of explosive material, 31 small machineguns and arrested an Afghan national, identified as Mohammed Aslam.

Central leader and ex-MNA of the BNP Sardar Abdul Rauf Mengal appealed to the Supreme Court and Balochistan High Court to take suo motu notice of the kidnapping of people and dumping of mutilated bodies in Balochistan. He said that in the past 18 months 162 mutilated bodies had been found and 218 people were killed in targeted attacks. About 3,000 people were still missing.

Three unidentified bullet-riddled dead bodies were found in Khanozai tehsil of Pishin District. “The victims have received multiple bullets from close range,” said a levies official.

Unidentified assailants shot dead Sardarzada Wali Khan Mengal, the son of tribal chief, Sardar Asif Mengal in Nushki bazaar in Nushki town of same District in Balochistan. According to the Levies Force, unidentified assailants attacked and opened fire at the vehicle of Sardarzada Wali Khan Mengal, leaving him injured. Later, Wali Khan Mengal succumbed to the injuries at hospital.

Two Policemen were injured after their Police mobile was bombed in Asiabad village of Tump area in Kech District of Balochistan. According to a Turbat Levies official, “The IED was planted by unidentified men and was detonated through a remote controller when the vehicle reached Asiabad”. The injured personnel were identified as constables Mohammed Arif and Mohammed Asif.

Two children, identified as Abdul Majeed (7) and Nabila (6), were injured in a landmine blast outside the residence of a Balochi folk singer Sabz Ali Bugti in Dera Bugti District. An unnamed police official said that Majeed was Ali's son and Nabila was his niece.

FC foiled a major terror bid by seizing an explosive-laden motorcycle in Pat Feeder area of Sui tehsil in Dera Bugti District. FC spokesman Khan Wasey said that unidentified militants had planted 19 kilogram of explosives in a motorcycle and parked it near the Pat Feeder canal. He said the FC foiled the terror bid by timely defusing it in the light of intelligence reports.

Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani admitted an increase in wall-chalking with slogans in support of militant group Islamic State (IS) but denied claims of the presence of its militants on ground in the Province. “The letter regarding the activity of IS was routine information of officers which had been passed to the Federal Government. There was nothing serious about IS in Balochistan,” Durrani said, referring to media reports that the Provincial Government has conveyed a report to the Federal Government and Law Enforcement Agencies warning of increased footprints of IS in the Province.

An ATC in Quetta rejecting a medical report of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf ordered him to appear before the court in the next hearing of the case over the murder of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti on August 26, 2006. The court rejected the medical report of the former President and asked his lawyer to ensure his presence in the next hearing. Judge of the ATC in his remarks warned that bail of the former President would be cancelled if he failed to appear before the court on December 10, 2014.

One person was killed and 20 others were injured in an explosion targeting a vehicle carrying ATC Judge Nazeer Ahmed Langove on Double Road in Quetta. Judge Langove remained unhurt in the blast. Senior Police Official Imran Qureshi said that the target of the attack was the judge's vehicle.

At least five people, including a Hindu vendor and a teenage boy, were killed while two others were critically wounded when unknown armed assailants opened fire at multiple shops on Usman Road in Balochi Street of Quetta. According to an official of Gawalmandi Police Station, masked militants on motorbikes opened fire at a barber shop, a tailor shop, and a Hindu vendor in downtown Quetta. The victims were identified as Sunil Jani (the Hindu vendor), Khalid Bila, Irfan, Shakir (14) and Naveed Qureshi. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified militants shot dead a tribal elder, Malik Qasim, in Ornach area of Khuzdar District.

Jandullah 'spokesman' Fahad Marwat claimed a 'delegation' from the IS group has visited Jundallah's leaders in Balochistan Province. He said that the visit took place this week in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan Province. He further said that the purpose of visit by the IS was to see how it could work to unite various Pakistani militant groups.

SFs claimed to have killed at least six militants during several raids conducted in Bolan District. Eight other militants were also arrested during the raids. The SFs also recovered rocket launchers and other weapons from the militants' possession.

A Balochistan Levies official, identified as Abdul Razzaq, was killed and another, identified as Noorullah, was injured when unidentified militants attacked a check post in Khanozai area of Pishin District. Later in an exchange of fire, one of the attackers was also killed, while another was arrested. A Kalashnikov was recovered from his possession.

A Policeman, identified as Sultan Mohammad, was killed when unidentified militants attacked a check post in Nasarabad area of Hana in Quetta. The militants also snatched weapons from police. Police said the assailants managed to escape unhurt.

One person, identified as Abdul Hanan, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Turbat District.

One child was killed and 13 others were wounded in a blast near Arbab Complex in Khuzdar District. "The number of injured is likely to be increased," said Majeed Marri, a Police Officer. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Three security officials were injured when militants opened fire at a convoy of FWO in Beri Dasht area of Turbat District. According to the Balochistan Levies, the FWO convoy was travelling from Turbat to Gwadar District when a group of militants opened fire at them in Turbat. The injured were identified as Naik Munir Ahmed, Naik Mohammed Iqbal and Sepoy Abdul Sattar. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified militants killed two Government officials in Labach area of Awaran District. Muhammad Rafiq, a Police Official said that one official was working in the NADRA and the other was an employee of Balochistan Constabulary. The assailants managed to escape unhurt from the spot.

Unidentified militants opened indiscriminate fire at a shop in Burma Hotel area on Sariab Road of Quetta, killing two people on the spot. The victims were identified as father and son.

A Levies official was killed when unidentified militants opened indiscriminate fire at a Levies check post in Khanozai area of Pishin District.

A journalist identified as Manzoor Ahmed Bugti, working for Pakistan Television and based in Dera Bugti District went missing from Quetta on November 7. Imam Bukhsh, who works for a news agency, said that Manzoor Ahmed Bugti reached Quetta from Dera Bugti on November 6, 2014 and went missing the following day. "His mobile phone remains switched off," he said, adding that no-one had contacted them for ransom.

Two people, including a SF official, were injured in an IED blast targeting SF's vehicle on Sariab Road in Provincial town of Quetta. Imran Qureshi, a Senior Police Officer said that militants had planted the IED in a cycle, which was parked on the roadside. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified militants fired a rocket targeting the residence of Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, the provincial leader of PML-N in Anjeera area of Khuzdar District. However, no casualties were reported. Levies sources said that the rocket landed almost 400 meters away from Zehri's residence.

One person was killed while two civilians were injured after a bomb blast in Mand area of Turbat District.

Unidentified militants attacked polio vaccination team and injured a Tehsildar who was monitoring the workers of the polio team in Kali Muhammad Umar Khan area of Chaman town in Qilla Abdullah District.

Balochistan Additional Secretary Education Mohammad Tayyab Lehri while speaking at the concluding ceremony of the five-year project 'Balochistan Educational Program' carried out by Save the Children with support from Embassy of the Netherlands said, "Out of the 13,000 schools in Balochistan, only 2,500 are for girls," and there was a need to provide education to children closer to their homes. "We have divided the Province in 23000 pockets but there are only 13,000 schools in the Province. Another 10,000 schools should be built," he said.

The Oman Army announced that it will recruit Baloch youths in its army from the Gwadar, Kech and Panjgur Districts of Makran Division. According to sources, an official delegation from Oman Army would be visiting Gwadar soon to complete the recruitment process.

Unidentified militants shot dead four polio workers, including three female health workers, and injured three others on the Eastern Bypass in the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Police officials said that the members of the polio team were travelling in a pick-up towards the BHU, Mengalabad, on the Eastern Bypass when unidentified militants intercepted their vehicle and opened indiscriminate firing on the health workers. The deceased were identified as Hameeda Malik, Imam Bibi, Hameeda Bibi and Ijaz. The assailants managed to flee. The injured were identified as Fareeda, Sumera and Salma Bibi.

Over 30 suspects were arrested during a search operation conducted to arrest assailants involved in the killing of four polio workers in Quetta on November 26, 2014. A Police Official said that most suspects were taken into custody at Mohalla Khelabad area, adding that arms and ammunition were also seized from their possession.

The Supreme Court said that no compromise can be made on the killings of polio workers and asked the Provincial Governments to improve security arrangements for them. The Court rejected affidavits filed by Government of Punjab and KP Government on regularizing LHWs within 24 hours and payment of salary to them. The court while giving last chance to Government of Punjab, KP, Balochistan and Sindh to file the affidavits afresh has made it clear that contempt of court proceedings will be initiated against the officers concerned if affidavits are not filed.

Jundullah claimed responsibility for the November 26, 2014 attack on anti-polio campaigners in Quetta in which four vaccinators were killed and three wounded. Ahmed Marwat, the 'spokesperson' for Jundullah, told a foreign news agency correspondent in Dera Ismail Khan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that the group was responsible for the killings. "They were Yahood-o-Nasara, western Jews agents, and such attacks will continue on polio workers in the future," he said.

A paramilitary soldier, identified as Shireen ul Islam, was killed and two others were wounded when unidentified militants fired a RPG at a FC vehicle in Tump area of Kech District. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

A FC soldier, identified as Shireen Khan, and a suspected militant were killed in a roadside bomb attack in Tump are of Kech District. The FC troops fired back and killed a militant after an exchange of fire. Earlier it was reported that a paramilitary soldier was killed in RPG attack.

Three FWO security personnel were injured in an ambush with militants in Vashaap area of Panjgur District. The injured were identified as Mohammad Farooq, Mohammad Afzal and Din Mohammad.

SFs seized a truck carrying around 5,000 kilograms of explosives as it was attempting to enter Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. They also recovered a large number of weapons during raids and searches conducted in Quetta, Panjgur and Zhob District.

A militant was killed and seven ATF personnel were injured during a joint encounter conducted by Police and Frontier Corps in Eastern Bypass area of Quetta. The militant killed was allegedly involved in the November 26, 2014, attack on polio workers. Three suspects were also arrested from the area and Police claimed to have recovered arms and ammunition from their possession.

At least two people were injured in a blast targeting the Adviser to Chief Minister on Education Sardar Raza Mohammad Barech on Joint Road in Quetta. Barech belongs to the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and is an elected legislator in the Balochistan Assembly. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified armed assailants kidnapped a Hindu doctor, identified as Dr Manoj Kumar, from Quetta. Kumar is a medical officer at the District Headquarters Hospital Dadhar, and also teaches students in the provincial capital. "Police have found the abandoned car of Dr Kumar at the parking lot. It seems an apparent case of kidnapping-for-ransom," SSP-Operations Quetta, Aetizaz Goraya said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has admitted that there has been no progress in his efforts to initiate talks with Baloch leaders living abroad. He said that the self-exiled Baloch leaders were not willing to engage in dialogue.

Dr Malik said he had a mandate from the Federal Government and major political parties for initiating the dialogue, but he could do it only if other party was also ready for that. He vowed to persevere in his efforts. He further said that he would not rule out the involvement of a foreign hand in the law and order situation in Balochistan. The foreigners were using local people for fulfilling their nefarious designs, he added.

Unidentified militants in an act of target killing killed two Policemen in Shalkot area of Quetta. Sariab SP Imran Qureshi said that armed men opened fire at Policemen and killed one personnel on the spot. He said the other policeman was shifted to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. "It seems to be a targeted killing," Qureshi said.

Unidentified militants shot dead a man, identified as Gull Muhammad, in Surkhab area of Pishin District.

Disputing the numerical claims of HRCP on Baloch migration, the National Assembly was informed that an estimated 5,000 people have migrated from the Province to other parts of the country under the threat of attacks on their families. Parliamentary Secretary for Interior and Narcotics Maryam Aurangzeb informed the House in response to a calling attention notice that these migrated people included Punjabis, Urdu speaking and Hazaras.

Earlier on October 12, the chairperson of Zohra Yusuf had said that Balochistan has been made a fertile place for armed religious extremists under a plan and as a result about 300,000 Shias, Zikris, and Hindus have migrated to other areas of the country. The migrants, according to the HRCP report, included 200,000 Shias of the Hazara community, 10,000 Hindus, 300 Parsi families, 400 members of the Zikri sect and the remaining about 90,000 people belonging to Punjabi- and Urdu-speaking communities who left the Province to avoid violence. She said strengthening of religious extremists had caused the migration of innocent citizens but the real objective was to weaken the Baloch nationalist militants.

At least one person was killed and 13 others were injured in an explosion near Sabzi Mandi area in Satellite Town of provincial capital Quetta. Akbar Hussain Durrani, the Provincial Home Secretary, said that the target of the remotely-detonated bomb was a SF's vehicle. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

A private school principal, identified as Zahid Askani, was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near Oasis school in Gwadar District. Askani was the founder of the school which was primarily a co-education institution and an English language teaching centre.

FC personnel foiled two major terror bids during separate raids in Mastung District and Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. The DIG FC, Brigadier Tahir Mehmood said that the forces conducted a raid in Rehman Kahol area of Chaman and seized a large cache of arms and ammunition.

Three unidentified dead bodies were found dumped near a river in Pishin District. Doctors revealed that when the bodies were found, their hands were tied behind their back and their eyes were blindfolded. There were multiple marks of torture on the bodies, which are three to four days old. "They look like Baloch," an official at Pishin Levies Control Room said.

The PRO and FC spokesman Balochistan Khan Wasey was injured in a firing incident on Double Road in Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The CM of Balochistan, Dr Malik Baloch termed extremism as a major threat to peace in the province. "Extremism is now deep-rooted in Balochistan," the Chief Minister. Senior journalists, human rights activists, intellectuals from across the country participated in the seminar to discuss Provincial Autonomy and the 18th Amendment and its implications. The chief minister also said that extremism was posing a serious threat to development in Balochistan, which has been plagued by violence carried out by Baloch separatists along with growing sectarianism. "This extremism is not on the surface rather is it is deep rooted," he added.

A man was injured in a blast in the Sariab Road area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Senior Police Officer Sariab, Imran Qureshi, while speaking to APP, said unknown men had fitted an explosive device to a bicycle and parked it near the Awami Petrol Pump in the precincts of the New Sariab Police Station. It went off leaving a passer-by injured.

10 persons were injured when a bomb planted on a motorcycle went off near Farhan Hotel in Sibi town (Sibi District) of Balochistan. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack and the target of the blast is unknown yet.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch speaking during a session of the Balochistan Assembly claimed that crime graph in the Province has dropped by 22 per cent during the current year. He said security situation in the province could not be improved overnight. On the law and order issue, he said that in 2013 a total of 234 incidents of crime occurred, 357 people were killed. And in 2014, he added, 151 incidents of crime had occurred and 156 people were killed. Kidnapping and targeted killings have decreased by 30 per cent. He said there was reduction also in the cases of dumping of mutilated bodies.

The Chief Minister said that 600 people had been recruited in law-enforcement agencies. Bullet-proof vehicles had been provided to Deputy Superintendents of Police and hundreds of Police personnel were being trained by the Army, he added. He, however, admitted that there were law and order problems in Quetta, Panjgur and Turbat Districts.

A Policeman was killed and two others were injured when unidentified militants opened fire at a police check post at Zero Point in Khuzdar District.

Unidentified militants targeted a Police mobile with an IED in Hazarganji area of provincial capital Quetta. However the Police mobile narrowly escaped the blast and no casualty was reported.

A 20 inch diameter gas pipeline was blown up in Gobpat area of Sui in Dera Bugti District, suspending gas supply to Karachi and interior areas of Sindh Province.

Two Policemen, including DPO Kharan Muhammad Anwar Badini, were seriously injured when unidentified militants opened fire on their patrolling vehicle in provincial capital Quetta. However, the assailants managed to escape unhurt from the spot.

Levies personnel recovered three mutilated dead bodies from Kan Mehtarzai area of Killa Saifullah District.

SFs arrested four suspected militants, including an Uzbek national, near Eastern Bypass area of Quetta. SFs also recovered weapons and explosives from their possession.

Eight militants, including a local TTP 'commander', were killed by SF during an operation conducted in the Chotair area of Ziarat District. SFs also claimed to have recovered arms and ammunition from their possession. Sources said that the deceased militants were involved in acts of kidnapping and other terrorist incidents in the area. They added that the militants who were killed appeared to be foreigners.

A Police Inspector, identified as Muhammad Amin Shahwani, was shot dead by two unidentified armed assailants in Mastung Bazar area of Mastung District. The assailants managed to escape from the scene after the attack.

Security was tightened in and around all eleven prisons in Balochistan in the aftermath of the Federal Government's decision to lift a moratorium on death sentences across the country. Sources in Balochistan Prisons Department said that four prisons including District Jail Quetta, Khuzdar, Gaddani and Mach were declared sensitive in the Province. The number of prisoners sentenced to death in Balochistan was 97, out of which 14 had filed a mercy petition before the President. Most of the prisoners with death sentences were imprisoned in Mach and District Jail Quetta.

A soldier, identified as Mohammad Shabbir, was injured in a clash with unidentified militants after the convoy of the FWO was attacked with an IED in Gogkdan Mai area of Turbat District.

An FWO convoy was also targeted in Chattkan area of Panjgur District. However, no casualties were reported.

Heavy contingents of Police and paramilitary troops were deployed at Mach (in Bolan District) and Quetta District jails in a move to increase security around prisons. The prisoners on death row do not belong to any banned organisation but four of them were charged with terrorism acts, such as targeted killings and murder charges over personal disputes.

At least five bullet-riddled dead bodies were found dumped in Kalzai and Khanozai areas of Pishin District. Three bodies found in Kalzai area of the District were of Afghan nationals and two bodies found in Khanozai area were of Baloch identity.

Three dead bodies, identified as that of Afghan nationals, were found dumped near a river in Baghao area of Ziarat District. "One of the victims identified was a resident of an Afghan refugee camp in Ziarat, whereas others were also Afghan refugees," the official added.

The Inspector General of Prisons in Balochistan Bashir Ahmed Bangulzai said that none of the death row inmates currently lodged in the Province's detention centres are members of terrorist outfits. He revealed that all of the 14 prisoners were awarded death penalties over murder cases related to personal disputes. "One prisoner each is in Quetta and Gadani jails while 10 are in Mach Jail, one of the largest jails in Pakistan," he said.

SFs arrested five suspected militants, including a 'commander' of unspecified Taliban faction, from the Kuchlak area of Quetta. The SFs also recovered heavy weapons from their possession. The militants are being interrogated at an undisclosed location. "At this point in time, we can not disclose the identity of the militants," an unnamed security official said. It is not yet clear if the militants belonged to the Afghan Taliban or the TTP.

Unidentified militants blew up an eight inch diameter gas pipeline in Pir Koh gas field area of Dera Bugti District.

SFs conducted a raid and arrested five TTP militants from Nassai area of Killa Saifullah District. An unnamed security official said, "Militants belong to banned TTP", adding that the militants were also involved in kidnappings for ransom in the area. SFs also recovered weapons and explosives from their possession.

At least 26 persons, including two children, were injured in a bicycle-bomb blast on one of busiest streets in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. "At least 26 civilians were wounded and three of them are in critical condition in the bicycle bombing on Prince Road," CCPO Quetta Abdul Razzaq Cheema said. An IED weighing five kilograms was fitted on a bicycle before being parked outside a hotel, the CCPO added. The blast caused a fire to erupt in six shops and fire tenders had to be called in to extinguish the blaze.

The FC during a search operation arrested seven BLF militants near the coastal highway in Chakwali and Shadi Khor in Gwadar District. According to the FC statement, officials seized three Chinese-made automatic weapons, one pistol, two 8-MM Rifles, one 12-bore Rifle and 600 rounds of different caliber.

At least 12 suspected militants, including two TTP 'commanders' were arrested during a raid conducted by SFs in house in Kuchlak area of Quetta. Arms and ammunition and suicide jackets were recovered from the house.

At least eight militants and one FC soldier was killed while seven soldiers were injured in clash between militants and SFs that erupted after the militants attacked the FC vehicle, killing one soldier in Loti area of Dera Bugti District. Eight militants were in retaliatory attack. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two suicide bombers were killed during a search operation in Gawal Ismailzai area of Zhob District. One suicide bomber blew himself up while the other one was killed by security forces," said an unnamed security officer. SFs and militants also exchanged fire during the operation. SFs also recovered 500 bombs, 200 kilograms of explosives, 50 jackets, 13 rocket launchers and other weapons during the operation. The officer stated that the SFs also defused bombs planted by militants in the area.

Police foiled a major terror bid by defusing two bombs planted on railway track on Sariab Road in provincial capital Quetta. Razzaq Cheema, the CCPO confirmed the incident, adding that the Rawalpindi bound Jaffar Express was saved from being attacked.

FC and Police arrested four suspected militants, including a key 'commander' of an unnamed militant outfit, during a joint operation on Sariab Road area of Quetta. SFs also recovered arms from their possession. The militants were involved in acts of targeted killings, kidnappings and other saboteur activities, said Imran Qureshi, a senior Police Officer.

Police and SFs also foiled a major terror bid on Brewery Road in Quetta. Police sources said that the SFs defused a suicide jacket, which was kept close to a drain. The suicide jacket weighed 10 kilograms, Police said.

Three Iranian soldiers were killed in an ambush with Pakistani militants in southeastern Iranian Province of Sistan-Balochistan. The militants fled over the nearby Pakistani border after killing the three soldiers, said a senior official. "Terrorists carried out an ambush against a military patrol and, after killing three Revolutionary Guards, fled into nearby Pakistan," the Province's Deputy Governor Ali Asghar Mirshekari said.

Four Pakistani transporters were injured when the Iranian border guards retaliated and fired 42 mortar shells into Zamuran town of Turbat District. Two pickup cars were partially damaged in the explosions which took place at the Jalgi area of Buleda tehsil in the District. "The explosions were heard several kilometers away, causing fear and panic," said an unnamed official, adding, "At least four Pakistani transporters or drivers sustained minor wounds."

SFs arrested 14 suspected militants, including a key 'commander', during an operation in the Eastern Bypass area of provincial capital Quetta. "Forces acted on an intelligence tip-off," said an unnamed intelligence officer, adding that a militant belonging to Jundullah, who was the mastermind of the November 26, 2014 attack on polio workers in Quetta was among the arrested militants. The SFs also recovered arms and ammunition from their possession.

Levies personnel recovered three bullet-riddled dead bodies from Mand area of Turbat District. "The victims had received multiple bullet wounds," said Levies sources, adding that the victims were shot from a close range. Two of the victims were identified as Waleed Chakar and Muhammad Raheem Shahmurad.

Unidentified militants blew up a railway track in an IED attack in Mashkaf area of Bolan District. However, no casualties were reported.

According to a Home Department report, a total of 164 dead bodies have been found in the Province in the year 2014, including the three dead bodies found in Turbat District. Of them, 80 were found in Quetta, 41 in Kalat Division - comprising Khuzdar and Mastung Districts - 41 in Makran Division - comprising Panjgur, Gwadar and Turbat Districts - six in Naseerabad Division, 13 in Zhob District and eight in Sibi Division, says the report. The report adds that out of the 164 dead, 71 have been identified as ethnic Baloch, 35 Pashtun, 19 people of other ethnicities, while 41 victims could not be identified. Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said the unidentified victims could be either militants or anti-state elements.

According to Police Officials, a large number of suspected criminals hauled in terrorism-related cases are set free as Law Enforcement Agencies fail to substantiate evidence against them before the court. "Merely 20 per cent of terror suspects have been convicted during the last three years in Balochistan," a senior Police Officer said. In all, 308 criminals had been arrested but 80 per cent of them were acquitted, he added.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a man and his son in Sariab Road area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. "A man and his son received bullet wounds when some unidentified armed men sprayed their car with a volley of bullets," Police said, adding that the injured succumbed to their injuries on their way to a hospital.