January 4

Two Policemen were killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at a Police check post in Bibi Nanai area of Sariab Road in provincial capital Quetta. "Armed assailants opened fire at Sariab road," said a police official.

January 6

Unidentified militants abducted six locals while they on their way to Gandoi area of Sui tehsil in Dera Bugti District. No group has claimed responsibility for abduction.

SFs arrested four TTP militants during a raid in Gawal Ismailzai area of Zhob District. The spokesman for the FC Khan Wasey said that weapons were also recovered from their possession. Wasay alleged the weapons were being smuggled into interior Balochistan for use in subversive activities.

The FC arrested three suspects from Mangochar area of Kalat District. Wasey said that that weapons and explosives were also recovered from their possession.

January 8

Two Police personnel, Constable Mushtaq and constable Wajid, were shot dead by unidentified assailants outside a mosque in Multani Mohala of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The assailants managed to flee the scene of crime.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a senior Afghan Taliban ‘commander’, Maulvi Muhammad Alam, in Kuchlak area of Quetta. Maulvi Muhammad Alam, loyal commander to Taliban supremo Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, was shot dead, Taliban leaders said on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorised to speak to the media. “I can confirm that Maulvi Muhammad Alam has been killed.

January 9

Two Coast Guard personnel were killed and three others were wounded when their vehicle hit a landmine in Kaldan area of Jewni tehsil in Gwadar District.

SFS claimed to have foiled a major bid of terrorism by seizing weapons and arresting a suspected militant from Dera Murad Jamali area of Naseerabad District.

SFs launched a search operation in various parts of provincial capital Quetta, including Kasi Road, Balochi street, and arrested 25 suspects. “25 suspects were arrested from various parts of Quetta,” said an unnamed police official.

January 10

Seven Afghan nationals were abducted and two others were injured in an exchange of fire with kidnappers in Talab area of Taftan in Chagai District. Taftan Assistant Commissioner Murad Kasi said, “It is not known who was behind the kidnapping of the Afghan nationals.”

January 11

The shop owner of an officially sanctioned wine shop, identified as Moti Ram, was injured when unidentified militants lobbed a hand grenade at the shop located on Muneer Mengal Road in provincial capital Quetta.

Frontier Corps on the basis of intelligence reports arrested a TTP militant during a raid in Chanjan area of Killa Saifullah District.

The ATC allowed CTD to detain an al Qaeda suspect, identified as Abdur Raqeeb, for 30 days for questioning. The department told the judge that they have credible information about suspect that he is involved in providing financial assistance to terrorists and in other offences came within the ambit of ATA. Raqeeb, alleged to be Hyderabad's Ameer of al Qaeda, was picked up in a targeted operation in PIB colony of Gulshan Town on January 8, 2016.

Police registered a terrorism case against leaders of the Tanzeemat-e-Ahle Sunnat, an alliance of several religious parties of the Barelvi school of thought, for allegedly inciting people to violence against the state and its institutions by raising the case of Malik Mumtaz Qadri, the self-confessed and convicted killer of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, during a rally in Nishtar Park located in Soldier Bazar of Jamshed Town on January 10, 2016. At the January 10 event, speakers demanded a fresh trial of Mumtaz Qadri by the Federal Shariat Court, termed the death sentence handed down to him ‘un-Islamic’ and warned that they could go to any extent if the Government failed to change its attitude.

January 12

A labourer was killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a FWO Camp in Hoshap area of Turbat District.

Unidentified militants opened fire at a FWO vehicle that was carrying officials, injuring at least five personnel in Turbat District.

January 13

At least 15 people, among them 13 Police personnel, a FC soldier and a civilian, were killed while 25 others were injured when suicide bomber blew himself up near a Government health centre in Satellite Town area of Quetta. Earlier, it was reported that 14 persons were killed in the attack. TTP and JuI claimed responsibility for the attack. TTP spokesman Muhammad Khurasani sent an email to journalists, claiming responsibility of the suicide attack. But Azam Tariq, a spokesman for the JuI, made a similar claim and said the attack had been carried out by his group to avenge the act of torturing the people in custody. 

January 14

SFs claimed to have killed at least three militants during a search operation in Sami and Tabjan areas of Kech District. A spokesman for the FC Khan Waey said that the militants were allegedly involved in attacks at the FWO. Weapons and ammunition were also seized by the SFs.

FC personnel also foiled major terror bid by defusing three IED in Solani area of Kech District. The FC spokesman said that the militants had planted the IEDs to target SFs and FWO workers in the area.

January 15

A parked vehicle was damaged in a blast in Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan. According to Levies sources, Unidentified militants had planted improvised explosive devices in a vehicle and had parked it near a house that went off. A vehicle was damaged in the blast while no loss of life was reported.

January 17

Three bullet-riddled dead bodies were recovered from Gorkop area of Kech District. The dead bodies were identified as those of Noshad alias Nodo, Abdul Ghani and Maqsood. "All victims received multiple bullet wounds," Levies sources said.

SFs foiled a major terror bid on a roadside in Sui tehsil of Dera Bugti District, defusing an IED weighing around 17 kilogram. Khan Wasey, spokesman for the Frontier Corps said, "Miscreants wanted to target security forces through the IED."

SFs arrested three TTP militants from Nassai area of Qilla Saifullah District.

SFs arrested a TTP militant during a raid in Karbala village of Pishin District.

Six FC personnel were killed and one was injured in an IED blast near FC's Margat Checkpoint in provincial capital Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

An ATC in Quetta acquitted former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in the case of the murder of JWP leader Nawab Akbar Bugti who was killed on August 26, 2006 in a military operation in Dera Bugti District. The court also acquitted former Federal Home Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao, and former Provincial Home Minister Shoaib Nosherwani. During the hearing, the court also rejected the request by Nawabzada Jamil Akbar Bugti, son of Akbar Bugti, to order exhumation of his father's body to ensure the body buried in Dera Bugti was that of his late father.

At least five BLA militants, including 'commander' Suhbat Baloch, were killed during a raid in BLA hideout in Chapar area of Barkhan District. Three BLA militants were arrested. "The arrested persons have been shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation," FC spokesman said. Two persons kidnapped six months ago were also recovered from the hideout where Light Machine Guns, AK-47 assault rifles and anti-Pakistan seditious material were also found.

FC detained 16 suspects in Turbat District, Panjgur District and Sui area of Dera Bugti District for questioning.

At least six militants were killed while a soldier embraced martyrdom and two other injured during a search operation in Mashkey area of Awaran District in Balochistan.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti narrowly escaped an attempt on his life when his convoy hit a roadside bomb in Baker tehsil of Dera Bugti District. The Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti was on an official visit to his hometown in Baker tehsil. However, no casualties were reported in the blast. It exploded moments after Bugti's vehicle crossed the site. One vehicle in the convoy was partially damaged as a result of the blast. No group has so far claimed responsibility.

Balochistan Government decided to establish a special force to be deployed at university campuses across the Province. "The new force would be subservient to vice chancellors," said Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani. He further said that the administrative powers over the force would be with Police. Durrani said 60 personnel will be deployed at each university, adding that the force will be well equipped.

FC killed four suspected militants in an exchange of fire during search operation in Winder area of Lasbela District. FC Spokesman Khan Wasey said that SF also recovered weapons from their possession, adding that the suspects were involved in carrying out bomb blasts, kidnapping-for-ransom and attacks on SFs in the Province.

SFs killed two militants in Pasni area of Gwadar District. Illegal arms and ammunition were also recovered. The militants were identified as Mohammad Younus Kolanchi and Mohammad Hanif Kolanchi. "Their accomplices managed to escape," a police official said.

The FIA arrested two suspects, identified as Asmatullah and Muhammad Ramzan, for selling and possessing Afghan SIM cards in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. "FIA also recovered a large number of Afghan SIM cards from the possession of the accused, the duo were shifted to FIA's Chaman centre for interrogation," said an unnamed official.

SFs arrested four suspects, demolished three hideouts of terrorists, and recovered arms and ammunition from Harnai District. Khan Wasey, the spokesman for Frontier Corps, said that 500 kilograms of explosives, four IEDs, one hand grenade, and a number of other weapons were recovered during the raid.

Four Policemen were killed when TTP militants open fired at them while they were sitting inside a mini gas station situated on Munir Mengal Road in Satellite Town of provincial capital Quetta. TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khorasani said, "The TTP's special unit STF's commandos successfully carried out the attack at a police mobile at Quetta's Satellite Town. The commandos disappeared after the attack".

Two bogies of the Jaffar Express were partially damaged in an explosion near railway tracks in Mithri area of Sibi District. However, no casualties were reported.

Two suspected militants were killed in an exchange of fire with SFs in Mastung District late. Official sources said that unidentified assailants attacked a convoy of SFs in the Kanak area of the District. They fired rockets and shots. SF personnel in the convoy retaliated and the exchange of fire continued for about three hours.

Six soldiers of Pakistan Army and a child were injured as a suicide bomber blew himself near Cantt area of Zhob District. The attacker attempted to enter Cantt area when the Friday prayers were underway, said Provincial Home Secretary Akber Hussain Durrani. TTP-Mehsud faction claimed responsibility for the attack. The spokesman Azam Masood called Radio Free Europe Mashal correspondent in Dera Ismail Khan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Government of Balochistan during a meeting held with Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri in the chair pledged that the responsibility of providing security to people would be fulfilled at all costs and actions against terrorists and anti-social elements and their facilitators would continue to purge the province of all terrorists. He decided to pursue a `tit-for-tat policy' to deal with terrorists and their facilitators to ensure fool-proof security in the Province. There was consensus among participants that terrorist attacks on police and other security personnel were a reaction to successful anti-terror operations being carried out by law enforcement agencies.

Dr Manan Baloch, a senior leader of the BLF, and four other suspected militants were killed in an encounter with SFs in Mastung District of Balochistan. Addressing a press conference at the Chief Minister Secretariat in Quetta, Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti said Manan headed the BNM, an organisation supporting militants. Bugti said SFs conducted a search operation in Killi Datu area of Mastung during which an exchange of fire took place between the SF personnel and militants hiding in a house. He said Manan and four other men were allegedly involved in subversive activities, including attacks on law enforcement agencies.

Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri during the concluding session of a two-day seminar on Prospects of Peace and Prosperity in Balochistan once again invited self-exiled Baloch leaders to the negotiating table for resolving their issues. He said that the Government was ready to hold dialogue with the estranged leaders within the constitutional framework. "I empower Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed to approach self-exiled angry leaders and initiate talks with them," Zehri said, adding that he believed negotiations, and not bullet, was the solution to the concerns of disgruntled Baloch leaders.

The COAS General Raheel Sharif said that Balochistan has become a hotbed of proxy wars for regional and global grand strategy by many powers. "This is a battle that we all are fighting, and we shall continue to fight, till peace prevails across the width and breadth of the Province," General Raheel said, adding that Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Police, Coast Guards, Levies and above all, the people of Balochistan, have defended the integrity of Pakistan with unflinching resolve for which they deserve special appreciation.

Three militants were killed when a suicide bomber detonated the explosives he was wearing, killing himself and two accomplices, in Giddir area of Kalat District. Three FC personnel were injured. According to official sources, FC personnel on a tip-off about the entry of an explosive-laden pick-up in Giddir area launched a search operation. They spotted a suspected vehicle carrying three persons and tried to stop it. In retaliation, the suicide bomber detonated the bomb.

At least 12 persons, including four FC officials, were killed and another 38 persons injured in a suicide blast near the District courts in Quetta. According to report, the attacker targeted a security vehicle close to Liaquat Park. Heavy firing was also heard in the area following explosion. Three Policemen were reportedly injured in the attack. Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Durrani said that a biker collided with the FC car that caused a massive explosion. Several cars including FC truck and motorcycles were completely destroyed in the attack. A splinter group of the outlawed TTP claimed responsibility for the attack in an e-mail sent to local media. However, the name of the group is not mentioned by the local media.

FC personnel killed two TTP militants during an encounter on Sariab Road in provincial capital Quetta.

Police detained 35 suspects during raids on Sariab Road and in surrounding areas.

According to official documents, some 625 militants have already surrendered before the state in the past six months started under the reconciliation process of NAP. Negotiations are currently under way with 125 insurgents in Balochistan over their possible surrender of weapons. Militants who give up violence have been offered cash support and jobs to help them lead a violence-free life. Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Durrani said that the Provincial Government was committed to its reconciliation policy and the militants who have already surrendered were being rehabilitated. Under the scheme, each pardoned militant would be awarded PKR 500,000 in installments besides getting the compensation for his guns.

Unidentified militant shot dead six people after barging into a house in Bonistan area of Panjgur District. The victims were identified as Muhammad Ismail, Noor Shoaib, Muhammad Nazar, Momin Ghulam Jan and Islamil.

An Assistant Professor of Balochistan University, identified as Para Din, was shot at and injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on his vehicle in the Almo Chowk area of Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The SFs to have killed 10 suspected militants during a targeted operation in Sibi District of Balochistan. The security personnel reportedly conducted an operation in Sangaan area of Sibi district and apprehended 12 suspected militants following an exchange of fire in which 10 suspects were killed. An official informed that SFs also demolished three sanctuaries being operated by militants in Sangaan.

The Spokesman for Balochistan Government, Anwar ul Haq Kakar, told that a key commander of BLA Aslam Acho was reportedly killed by SFs in Sibi.

At least three persons of the Marri tribe were killed and four others were injured in a firing incident in provincial capital Quetta. The victims were identified as Marri tribal leader Mozai Mari and his two sons.

Three security personnel were killed and two others were injured when militants launched an attack on a Levies check-post in Kahan area of Kohlu District. After the attack, Security Forces launched a search operation.

Law Enforcement Agencies shot dead four militants who were seen planting an IED in the Abdul Rehman Zai area of Gulistan town of Qilla Abdullah District. "A large quantity of arms and explosives were also confiscated from their possession.

At least three bullet-riddled dead bodies were recovered from Shakha Dara area of Chaman town.

Another bullet-riddled dead body was recovered in Toba Achakzai area of Qilla Abdullah District.

Two people were shot dead when unidentified militants opened fire at them in the Dilsora Karez area of Chaman town. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

FC troops foiled an act of terror in Dera Murad Jamali city of Naseerabad District. The militants were planning to use the IED weighing 8 kilograms against the security forces guarding gas pipelines.

FC arrested four alleged militants and recovered arms from their possession in Mastung area of same District in Balochistan. According to an FC spokesman, acting on a tip off, FC personnel carried out a search operation in the area and apprehended four alleged militants.

Unidentified militants hurled a grenade at the building of the District Education Office in Gwadar District. However, no casualties were reported.

Levies force recovered three unidentified dead bodies from Mashkay area of Awaran District.

FC detained three alleged militants and recovered arms from their possession during a search operation in Wahdat Colony area of provincial capital Quetta. The recovered arms included nine pistols, thee shotguns and two rifles.

Unidentified armed assailants targeted the convoy of Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti in Dera Bugti District. However, he escaped the attack. The attackers managed to flee.

Security Forces killed four suspected militants during an exchange of fire in Kohlu District. The spokesman for Frontier Constabulary, Khan Wasey, said the miscreants killed in Kohlu district belonged to an outlawed militant organisation operating in the area. He said that five sanctuaries were also demolished during the search operation and a cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from their possession.

Three suspects, including a key 'commander' of the BRA, were killed and two others were injured in Kech District. Wasey said that the SFs recovered weapons from their possession. The spokesman further said the militants were involved in killings of labourers working at Shadi Kor Dam.

An ASI, identified as Syed Ali Ahmed, was killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a Police checkpoint near Kili Ghirsheenan in Pishin District. "Another constable of the check-post retaliated and fired several shots at the attackers, but they managed to escape," Police said. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The law enforcement agencies recovered Shahbaz Taseer, the abducted son of former Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, from Kuchlak town near Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, five years after he was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen from Lahore. A statement released by the ISPR confirmed that the intelligence agencies have recovered Shahbaz Taseer from an area near Kuchlak. Shahbaz was kidnapped from Lahore on August 26, 2011 near his company's head office few months after the assassination of his father. A senior police official confirmed that Shahbaz was recovered during a raid jointly conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department and intelligence agencies near Quetta. Quoting a Frontier Corps officer, a TV channel confirmed the development. "An intelligence-based operation was conducted by FC and police, resulting in his (Shahbaz) safe recovery."

Eight BLA militants, including 'commander' Aslam Achou alias Merick Baloch, were killed in an exchange of fire during an encounter with Security Forces in the Sangan area of Sibi District. Two FC personnel were also killed during the gun battle. A spokesman for the Balochistan Government, Anwar-ul-Haque Kakar, said that the BLA 'commander' Aslam Achou alias Merick Baloch was an Afghan Tajik.

LEAs arrested 14 Afghan Taliban militants during a raid from a compound in Pashtoonabad area in provincial capital Quetta. "It is premature to say something about the arrest of any high profile leader among them", the official said. Sleeping bags, boots and administrative objects were also recovered from their possession.

SFs arrested a suspected person in an action in Gul Kach area of Zhob and recovered arms from his possession. According to reports, SFs seized five grenades, walkie-talkie and hundreds of rounds from his possession.

Five militants were killed and one arrested during a security operation carried out by FC along with other law enforcement agencies in Dera Bugti District of Balochistan. An FC spokesman said that on a tip-off, FC teams along with other law enforcement agencies raided a place in Dera Bugti. Exchange of fire took place between FC personnel and the armed men, he said adding "five militants were killed and one arrested in Dera Bugti operation. He said that the militants killed in the operation were involved in attacks on security forces, damaging gas pipelines, extortion and kidnapping for ransom. The militants belonged to a banned militant organisation, Baloch Republican Army; he said adding that the camps of the militants were also destroyed while further probe is underway.

March 15

A Police head constable, identified as Muhammad Sarwar, and a private security guard Abdul Qayyum, were killed during a bank robbery in Kuchlak town of Quetta, the provincial capital of Sindh. At least three other security guards and a civilian were injured in the shootout. The robbers looted PKR 4 million.

March 16

While addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club BRP Ailaaf Baloch and Afshan Baloch said that more than 70 members of the party had been missing for several months and emphasised that the situation in Balochistan could only be normalised if aspirations of Baloch people were kept supreme. They urged the authorities concerned to give their right arm to solve the simmering problem in Balochistan.

They recalled that Balochistan had plenty of natural resources, yet its people were unable to have clean drinking water, education and healthcare facilities. They pointed out that giving Baloch people their rights on a priority basis would be a huge step. They said the BRP had been raising its voice for the recovery of its members who, they claimed, were victims of enforced disappearances.

March 18

Balochistan Home Department announced head money for 99 militants, ranging between PKR 500,000 and PKR 15 million. CM Nawab Sanaullah Zehri vowed ‘not to pardon’ people involved in terrorist activities. The militants belong to the BLA, BRA, BLF, BRG and LeB.

But the names of Nawabzada Brahamdagh Bugti, Nawabzada Hairbyar Marri, Nawabzada Mehran Marri and Mir Javed Mengal, who are accused of instigating terrorist activities in Balochistan, have not been included in the list.  The CM said that it was not clear whether the BLF chief (Dr Allah Nazar) was dead or alive. However his name has been included in the list.

March 19

Four suspected BLA militants were killed and a senior leader of a banned organisation was injured in an encounter with SF personnel in Chattar area of Nasirabad District. The injured militant leader and 13 other suspected militants were taken into custody. According to official sources, personnel of Frontier Corps launched a search operation in the area close to Dera Bugti and Lehri Districts after a tip-off about the presence of militants.

At least 12 suspected militants, including two BLA 'commanders', identified as Jamir and Baloch Khan, were killed in an exchange of fire during an operation with FC personnel in Nasau area of Kohlu District. The FC recovered large cache of arms and ammunition from their possession. "Exchange of fire is still underway".

Brother of Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu, was arrested in Hub tehsil of Lasbela District. He was identified as Hamid alias Aamir. Security Forces recovered a large quantity of illegal weapons.

Six men who had been missing returned home in Kech District. They were identified as Waris Silani, Ajmal Ali, Master Irshad Silani, Naveed Ahmed, Jamil Ahmed and Akhtar Ali.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said Operation Zarb-e-Azab was bearing fruit and Balochistan soon would become a completely peaceful region. He was addressing a ceremony held in connection with Yaum-e-Shuhada. Southern Command Commander Lieutenant General Aamir Riaz, Advisor to Chief Minister on Information Sardar Raza Muhammad Baraich, Home Secretary Cap (retd) Akbar Hussain Durrani, Balochistan Frontier Corps IG Major General Sher Afgun, Police IG Ahsan Mehboob and senior officials were present. The Minister said the Government and Security Forces have been taking practical measures to root out terrorism from Balochistan on permanent basis, adding that the sacrifices of martyrs would not go waste.

11 Uzbeks were detained during a raid as by FC and intelligence agencies personnel in Nushki District.

A man was arrested on suspicion of having links with a banned outfit in Nushki District.

FC troops recovered 5 kilograms of explosive material from Goth Hazaro area of Sui in Dera Bugti District.

SFs have killed 92 militants, including a key 'commander', and have conducted 417 targeted operations in the province during the last four months, said Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti. "Security forces in the province have also seized more than 10,000 kilograms of explosives and other arms and ammunition," said Bugti. He added that during the last four months, 22 FC personnel have been killed and 65 others have been injured.

Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri during a session of Balochistan Assembly denied that military operation is being carried out in any part of the Province by the Federal Government and said that SFs under the Provincial Government were only conducting targeted operations wherever required. "The Provincial Government itself is conducting operations against terrorists," he said.

The Inspector General FC Balochistan Major General Sher Afgun said Indian spy agency RAW and Afghan intelligence agencies were involved in militancy and terrorism in the province. Talking to media, he said Indian consulates in Afghanistan are involved in random acts of terrorism in Balochistan. He said security situation has improved in the province as a result of targeted operations. He said the enemy was traced out and defeated due to good interaction and cooperation of people with security forces. He said that peace has been restored and now there is no "No Go Area" in Balochistan.

In a joint operation, conducted by Army, Rangers and Police, as many as 25 suspected terrorists, were detained from 34/2L (Balochan wali) village in Okara District and illegal weapons recovered from their possession. The weapons recovered included three Kalashnikoves, 3 8MM rifles, two 303 bore rifles, one 30 bore pistol and 1000 bullets. Besides, five motorcycles and cell phones were also seized.

Two passengers of Quetta-bound Jaffar Express were killed and five others were injured when a bomb hit at a railway track near Mithri area of Sibi District. "It was an IED which was detonated by a remote control. The blast blew up a major portion of the track," Railway Police said.

SFs claimed to have killed 15 militants during a raid in Johan area of Kalat District in Balochistan. Two SFs were injured in the operation. The SFs recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, and destroyed two sanctuaries used by the militants, said Government spokesperson Anwarul Haq Kakar.

SFs claimed to have killed 34 suspected militants, including a key 'commander' in Kalat District of Balochistan. One SF official was killed while two others sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti in a press conference said "A key militant commander, Abdul Nabi Bangulzai, was also among the dead. Abdul Nabi was involved in the assassination of Balochistan High Court Justice Nawaz Marri in 2000." The operation was launched by personnel of SF and intelligence agencies against elements involved in target killings and bombings in the Johan area of Kalat District. SFs also recovered a large amount of arms and ammunition from the militants, and Bugti added that those killed were also involved in attacking passengers in the Mastung area of the Province.

Three abductors were killed and one abducted child was rescued in a Police encounter in the Eastern Bypass area of the provincial capital Quetta. The kidnapped boy was identified as Aimal Khan (12). The Quetta Deputy Inspector General of Police, Syed Imtiaz Shah said that the kidnappers had demanded PKR 200,000 as ransom for the release of Aimal. According to details, Police raided a house in the Rind Garh area of Eastern Bypass area. During the raid, the kidnappers opened fire on police, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire which continued for an hour. "The kidnappers were using an Afghan SIM for calling parents of the kidnapped boy," Shah said, adding that the kidnappers had links with criminals in Afghanistan. The kidnappers killed in the encounter were identified as Ghulam Ahmed, Fazlur Rehman and Shakir.

Concerned over reports of an increase in civilian casualties from the Johan area of Kalat District and the Isplingi area of Mastung District allegedly as a result of an operation by Security Forces, chairperson of the HRCP Zohra Yusuf said that the authorities needed to ensure excessive force was not being used, as it would further alienate the people of Balochistan. The recent increase in casualties from these two areas being reported at the Quetta's Civil Hospital has become a cause of concern for the HRCP whose representatives say it is difficult to identify those getting killed in the military operation due to its inaccessibility to rights activists.

Yusuf said that 27 bodies were brought to the Civil Hospital in Quetta over the past few days that she said was alarming. "Since the areas mentioned are inaccessible to journalists and activists, it is difficult to identify the dead. But, according to our activists who spoke to the people in the surrounding areas of Quetta, these are civilian casualties," she added.

FC and sensitive agencies in their joint action in Panjgur District arrested a militant 'commander'. Huge arms and ammunition were also recovered from his possession, which included seven LMGs, seven rocket launchers, seven RPG-7, three SMGs, three hand grenades and thousands of bullets. According to sources, arms and ammunition were brought through N-85 Highway to Hoshab.

As many as 144 Baloch militants laid down their arms by accepting Government's amnesty scheme in Khuzdar District of Balochistan. Four commanders of different militant organizations were also among the militants to give up arms. "We will fulfill all the promises we have made to the militants who have surrendered," said Commissioner of Kalat District in Balochistan. The government has promised financial assistance to youths who laid down weapons and abandoned violence against the State.

Unidentified armed men shot dead National Party leader Mir Ghulam Hussain Sarpara in the Gardigap area of Mastung District in Balochistan Province. According to Levies Force, Sarpara was fired at by the attackers riding on a motorcycle at his agriculture land in Gardigap area. The assailants managed to escape from the scene.

Levies personnel recovered three bullet-riddled dead bodies from Hoshab area of Kech District. An unnamed Levies official said that the victims were laborers and were killed in an act of target killing.

Under the political reconciliation scheme launched in Balochistan, 1,025 militants, belonging to various outfits, have surrendered before the Provincial Government during the past year, said Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs, Akbar Hussain Durrani. Among the surrendered militants are a dozen key militant 'commanders', who have laid down their arms before provincial officials. "Those who surrendered under the reconciliation police were paid a sum of Rs0.5 million," he said.

"A total of 2622 IBOs were carried out during the last year, during which 12,234 criminals and miscreants were arrested," said Durrani, referring to the operations carried out after the implementation of the NAP. The Home Secretary added that 323 criminals and miscreants were killed in skirmishes with security forces, with 72 other injured in the gunfights.

At least three people were killed in a landmine explosion in Hamzani village of Sui tehsil in Dera Bugti District of Balochistan. Levies sources said, the incident took place when three people who were traveling on tractor hit the roadside bomb. In the explosion, all the three died on the spot.

Two BRA militants were killed and another was wounded in an operation carried out by SFs after receiving information about their presence by the Intelligence Agency in Prome area of in Panjgur District. Arms and ammunition, including three Kalash­ni­kovs, five 7mm rifles, hundreds of live rounds and two pistols and wireless sets and motorcycles were seized from the camp which was destroyed by SFs.

A man, identified as Bahram Khan, and his son, Muhammad Siddique, were killed in a landmine blast in Lehri area of Sibi District.

Five Police personnel were injured in an IED blast in Eastern Bypass area of provincial capital Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Frontier Corps recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the hideouts of BLA militants during a raid in Kodan area of Kohlu District.

A 'commander' of the BLA, identified as Ahmed Nawaz, surrendered before the Frontier Constabulary, the civil administration and the local elders in Kharan District. According to FC spokesman Nawaz laid down his arms before the security agencies, wrapped himself in the national flag and sung national anthem.

Four levies personnel, who were kidnapped by militants from Gaishkoor area of provincial capital Quetta on an unspecified date, were recovered from the outskirts of Awaran District. The levies officials were identified as Sher Muhammad, Abdul Malik, Saeed and Allah Bakhsh.

Five personnel of Balochistan Constabulary were injured in a bomb blast, which targeted their mobile van at Eastern bypass area in Quetta.

Two Policemen were killed and five persons, including three Policemen, were injured in an explosion outside the gate of Balochistan University in Quetta.

Three Government officials and a contractor were kidnapped from Dasht area of Kech (Turbat) District. According to sources, Fida Ahmed, a Sub-Divisional Officer in the Road and Building Department, and Mohammad Ibrahim and Rahim Jan, sub-engineers of the Irrigation Department, accompanied by contractor Mehboob Dasht, were returning to Turbat after inspecting development projects in a nearby area. When they reached Dasht, unidentified militants intercepted them and took them away.

FC Balochistan seized huge cache of explosives and weapons from the hideout of militants in Shayban area of Dalbandin in Chagai District. FC spokesman said that the militants had planned to use the explosives against SFs adding that there sabotage plot was timely foiled.

A Balochistan Constabulary personnel was killed and four others injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Eastern Bypass area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

FCB and intelligence agencies foiled a major terror bid and seized a huge cache of weapons, explosives and ammunition during a joint search operation in the Panjgur District.

Provincial Education Department Secretary Education Saboor Kakar that as part of the NAP, Balochistan Government has decided to register all madrassas in the Province with the Education Department. The Provincial Government has constituted a four member High Level Committee to review the registration process and perform legislation for the proposed amendment in the Societies Registration Act.

Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in a United States (US) drone strike in Kuchaki area of Naushki District, over 200 kilometers off Quetta. According to sources, Mansour entered Pakistan from Iran at Zero Point in Taftan, a town in Chagai District, which shares border with Iran, and hit by US drone while traveling in a rented car to take him to Quetta. The crime scene is identified as Kuchaki in Nushki District. The driver, identified as Muhammad Wali, who also died in the attack, was a civilian who worked for a local rental company.

The son of Provincial Local Government Minister, Sardar Mustafa Khan Tareen, was abducted by unidentified militants from the Cadet College area of Pishin District.

At least five people were killed when militants opened fire at their vehicle in Mand area of Kech District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

An IED blast killed two Policemen and wounded six others in a roadside attack in the Spiny road area of Quetta, the provincial capital Balochistan, in the evening. A Police contingent patrolling the area was targeted with an IED, police official said. "Four police officials and three passers-by were injured in the blast, which also damaged the police vehicle." The injured were taken to Civil Hospital Quetta, where two police officials succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead.

The bodies of two missing Government officials were found in Turbat District. Five officials of the Irrigation and Communication Department were abducted by unidentified militants in Dasht area of Turbat on May 21, 2016. Three dead bodies have been recovered during a search operation while two other officials are still missing.

Two SF personnel were killed in an IED blast in Awaran District in Balochistan. Official sources said that personnel of the FC were checking the Jhaho area in the district to clear it of landmines when an IED exploded near an FC vehicle. Following the blast, armed men opened fire, they added. "Two soldiers of the Frontier Corps lost their lives and three others were seriously wounded in the blast," a spokesman for the FC said. He also confirmed firing after the blast. The sources said that the FC men were the target of the IED, which was exploded by a remote control.

Bullet-riddled bodies of two more government employees, who had been abducted along with their three colleagues two weeks back from the Dashat area of Kech District, were found in the mountainous Saijee area. Official sources in Gwadar said that the SFs found the bodies and shifted them to a Turbat hospital. The victims were identified as Fida Ahmed and Muhammad Ibrahim. Hospital sources said that they were shot in the head and chest. Earlier, the bodies of three other missing Government officials in Turbat District on May 26.

FC claimed to have killed three suspected militants, including an alleged 'commander' of the BRA, and arrested their two accomplices during a search operation in Barkhan District. A spokesman for the FC said that armed militants opened fire on SF personnel when they were searching an area in Barkhan. The FC men returned fire. A heavy exchange of gunfire continued for some hours and when the guns fell silent three militants were killed. "Three militants including a commander of the banned Baloch Republican Army have been killed," the FC spokesman said, adding that two suspected militants were also arrested and arms and ammunition was also recovered.

Unidentified militants blew up a portion of a gas pipeline in the Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District, suspending supply from well No 10 to the Sui gas plant. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The relatives of a taxi driver, who was killed in the US drone strike targeting Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in Nushki District, have registered a case against US officials for the killing. "I seek justice in this case. Legal action should be taken against all those US officials responsible for killing my innocent brother in a drone strike near Nushki," read a statement in the FIR lodged by Muhammad Qasim, the brother of the deceased Muhammad Azam at Nushki Police Station.

A Police SI, identified as Mukhtihar Mulgani, was shot dead on Sabzal Road in provincial capital Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The FIA arrested a retired Deputy Superintendent of DC office Killa Abdullah, identified as Sher Ali, who allegedly certified the local certificate for slain Afghan Taliban leader Mulla Akhtar Mansour under the fake identity of Wali Muhammad. Ali was arrested from his home in Khanozai area of the Pishin District. "We have initiated an investigation into the issuance of the certificate," an FIA official said. Around four government officials have been arrested for issuing the CNIC, passport and local certificate to Mullah Mansoor. The former Deputy Commissioner of the Pishin District, Hafeez Tahir, is also under investigation by FIA authorities.

Four suspected militants were killed and two Police personnel sustained injuries in a gun battle between SFs and the militants on Quetta-Mastung road in New Sariab area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, in the evening. The Police sources said that Police personnel signalled to a motorcycle to stop on Quetta-Mastung road near Sheikh Zaid Hospital in New Sariab area of the provincial capital who opened fire at the police van, leaving two personnel injured. The police and other law enforcement agencies chased the armed men and found them in an orchard, where a gun battle took place between the armed men and the law enforcement personnel, the police officials said. The exchange of fire resulted in killing of four militants while two of their accomplices managed to flee the scene.

Home Minister, Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti briefed the legislators during the requisitioned session of the Provincial Assembly about the non-involvement of the state institutions in abduction of people. He further established that banned militant organisations were abducting people to mint money in order to strengthen themselves. He also said that Taliban militants were trying to make their roots in Quetta and added that "our security forces would foil their designs in this regard. The government and security forces are able to deal with kidnappers and militants with.

Unidentified militants blew up a portion of the railway track, a two-feet portion of the track, in an IED attack in Kolpur area of Bakhtiarabad in Bolan District of Balochistan.

A school building was partly damaged in a bomb blast in Dera Allah Yar town of Jaffarabad District in Balochistan. According to Police, unidentified miscreants had planted explosive devises in an under constructing school building which went off. The building was partly damaged in the blast. However, no loss of life was reported.

Two workers were killed and other two were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them while they were working at Manjho Shori Police Station in Naseerabad District of Balochistan.

The principal of University Law College Quetta, identified as Barrister Amanullah Achakzai, was shot dead by unidentified militants on Spiny Road in provincial capital Quetta.

One suspected militant was killed when he blew himself up during an exchange of fire with SFs in Kakhao area of Zhob District in Balochistan. SFs also arrested two militants during the operation. The spokesperson for FC, Khan Wasey said that a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the possession of militants, adding that they were planning a major terror activity in the area.

Unidentified militants abducted two coalminers, identified as Muhammad Imran and Bakht Nabi, in Killi Juma Khan near Mach area of Bolan District.

Unidentified militants abducted two coalminers, identified as Muhammad Imran and Bakht Nabi, in Killi Juma Khan near Mach area of Bolan District.

At least 15 families escaped their hometown over the last few days in Dasht area of Kech District and moved to Karachi (Sindh) because of clashes between Security Forces and insurgents. A majority of them have settled in Orangi Town, Sabzi Mandi and Federal B Area of Gulberg Town. Four of families moved to Hyderabad District and Kotri area of Jamshoro District.

Police claimed to have killed five suspects, including four militants and one Afghan Intelligence Agency spy, during an exchange of fire with SFs in Chashma Achozai area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. One constable was injured. The militants had opened fire at a patrolling Police van. Police personnel retaliated and five suspected militants were killed during the exchange of fire. Four of the dead militants were identified as Najeeb, Aijaz, Yousaf and Abdul Khaliq. Police recovered weapons from the compound that included Kalas­hni­­kovs, rocket-launchers, pistols, bombs and explosives.

The Counter Terrorism Department with the assistance of Intelligence Agencies arrested a militant 'commander', identified as Khaliq Dad, during an operation in Nawakali area of provincial capital Quetta. The Government had placed PKR 1 million as head money. Weapons were also seized from his possession.

Two children, identified as Ejaz and Ayesha, were killed in a landmine explosion in Goth Eid Muhammad Bugti area of Sohbatpur District.

A local peace force member, identified as Shambani, was killed when he stepped on a landmine while searching for militants in the Loti area of Dera Bugti District. The militants had attacked the tribal force a few days ago and also kidnapped a member while injuring others. The peace force launched a rescue operation when the landmine blast took place.

Five militants were killed in an operation in Mashkay area of Awaran District. SFs claim to have recovered a sizeable amount of arms and ammunition from their possession. Forces also recovered anti-state literature and laptops from their safe haven.

A Police Sub-Inspector was killed and six other Policemen were injured, in a bomb blast inside a Police Station in Nothal area of Naseerabad District.

US Embassy in Islamabad in a statement posted on the website advised its citizens to remain vigilant and avoid travelling to Quetta due to a "heightened threat in and around the city". "The Consulate General wishes to advise US citizens about a heightened threat level in the near term affecting Pakistani government and military installations, hotels, and western interests in and around the city of Quetta," said of statement. "US citizens are reminded that there is an active travel warning for Pakistan issued on April 7, 2016, and the worldwide caution, issued March 3, 2016," it added.

At least three people were killed and 32 others were injured in an IED attack on the Airport Road in provincial capital Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Three dead bodies, identified as that of Inayatullah, Abdul Waheed and Mohammad Aslam, were recovered from Dasht area of Balnigore in Kech District.

An unidentified dead body was recovered from Cheetkan area of Panjgur District. Some sources alleged that the bodies were of the men who had surrendered themselves to the authorities after denouncing militancy a few months ago. They said the militants had kidnapped them about two months ago and now their bodies had been found.

BRA militant 'commander', identified as Sakhirdar alias Toofan, along with two of his fighters, surrendered to Frontier Corps in Gwadar District.

BLA ' commander', identified as Ganhoor Khan, surrendered to Security Forces in Kohlu District.

SFs destroyed five militant hideouts during a search operation in Dera Bugti District.

At least four Policemen were shot dead in two separate targeted attacks in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Two Policemen, identified as Constable Faiz Muhammad and driver Nameed, were killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at the Police vehicle in Quetta. No group claimed responsibility for attack.

Two Policemen, identified as driver Muhammad Ali and guard Muhammad Ayub, were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a Police mobile van near Hazara Ganj area of Quetta.

Four FC personnel were shot dead by unidentified armed assailants on Double Road in provincial capital Quetta. Deputy IG Police Chaudhary Manzoor Sarwar said the incident appeared to be an act of targeted killing. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

FC forces killed three LeJ militants during a crackdown in provincial capital Quetta. The crackdown was launched following a spate of attacks targeting Security Forces. LeJ had claimed responsibility for killing four Policemen on June 28, 2016, and four FC soldiers on June 29, 2016. "Three terrorists belonging to LeJ have been killed in an armed clash with Frontier Corps and intelligence personnel," said FC spokesperson Khan Wasey.

A man, identified as Basher, was shot dead by two unidentified armed assailants while he was on his to a local market in Dera Murad Jamali town of Naseerabad District. The assailants fled the scene.

The mutilated body of an unidentified man was found in the Harnai Phatak area of Sibi District in Balochistan. The body, which was almost three days old, was lying at a roadside when a passer-by spotted it and informed the Police.

A ban has been placed on pillion riding and display of weapons in provincial capital Quetta under Section 144 by the Provincial Government's Home and Tribal Affairs Department. The decision has been taken because of a surge in incidents of targeted killing and terrorism in the city.

Unidentified armed assailants killed three SFs personnel in two separate incidents of violence in Mastung District of Balochistan. Two Levies personnel were killed when attackers opened fire at them in Al Falah Road area of Mastung city.

In another incident, armed men opened fire and killed Head Constable Ashfaq Qazi in Killi Sheikhan area of Mastung District. Police described the killings in Mastung as acts of targeted killings.

FC recovered two Kalashnikov, pistols and rounds in Gullgach area of Zhob District in Balochistan. According to FC spokesman, working on a tip off, FC personnel carried out a search operation in the area and recovered two Kalashnikov, two pistols and 2500 rounds from a house.

Four persons were injured in a bomb blast on Sariab road of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. A senior Police official said a bomb went off just as a vehicle of paramilitary force passed by. According to eyewitnesses, the gun shots rang out following the blast. However, the Police said the shots were fired by paramilitary officials. Two motorcycles and four cars were partially damaged.

A man, identified as Mehrab Khan, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Qambrani area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. As per reports, Mehrab Khan, a resident of Dera Murad Jamali, was returning home when armed assailants opened fire on him and fled. As a result, he died on the spot.

The Police and FC personnel recovered huge cache of weapons during search operation in Kalli Shahozai area of Quetta. According to sources, SFs conducted door-to-door search operation and confiscated four 9-mm pistols, one 12-bore pistol, five 30-bore pistols and several cartridges. However, no arrest was made while the arms have been handed over to Barori Police.

SFs claimed to have killed a militant during a security operation in Nimargh area of Kalat District in Balochistan. Five suspected militants were also arrested during the operation, said Khan Wasay, spokesperson for the FC. A cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the possession of the miscreants, added Wasay.

A bomb exploded near Governor House in Gwadar District. However, no casualties were reported.

CM Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri, while addressing the students of Punjab educational institutions who were on a visit to Quetta, remarked that as much as 95 percent of terrorism had already been rooted out from Balochistan. The CM said, "Civil and military leadership of Balochistan has the same dream of an educated and peaceful Balochistan," further adding that the joint efforts made by the civil and military had effectively eliminated terrorism from Balochistan by 95 percent. "Remaining five percent terrorism will also be eliminated soon," he added. "(Several) armed men, who had gone to mountains, would have to join mainstream otherwise, they would have to face stern action.

Commander Southern Command, Lieutenant General Aamir Riaz while addressing a tribal jirga in Zhob District said that war on terror would continue till the end of last terrorist and called upon tribesmen to play their due role in the efforts being made to make Balochistan, a peaceful province. The jirga was attended by tribal chiefs and elders from Pashtoon and Baloch tribes.

Unidentified militants killed JUI-F leader Mufti Ehtishamul Haq and his son in Tump tehsil of Kech District in Balochistan. Levies sources said armed assailants opened fire on the former JUI-F District Chief, killing him on the spot along with his son.

FC personnel conducted search operations and arrested three insurgents from the Khudabadan area of Panjgur District. One sub-machine gun, four magazines, two rifles, two hand grenades and an air gun were recovered from their possession.

FC personnel arrested four insurgents during a search operation in Dadshah area of Barkhan in Kalat District and recovered two SMGs, pistols, rifles and six magazines.

Nearly a thousand bullet-ridden corpses have been recovered from various parts of Balochistan in the past six years, official documents revealed, indicating a disturbing sign that the security of the country's largest province is worsening yet again. More than 51 percent mutilated bodies were identified as ethnic Baloch. Official figures continued to reveal shocking figures further as stating that 22 percent dead bodies belonged to Pashtuns while rest of the bullet-ridden corpses either remained unidentified or belong to Punjabis, Afghan refugees or non-Muslims. More than 940 dead bodies were recovered from various Districts of Balochistan whereas Quetta remained the worst-hit district with 346 dead bodies were recovered since 2010, revealed figures prepared by senior officials assigned to swiftly execute the NAP.

The confidential data, also exclusively available with Geo News (ASKKS Programme)/The News, further revealed that over 112 persons were still missing in the province. With these rights violations, official figures further shocked that over 658 innocent people lost their lives in sectarian incidents where total 1, 837 were killed either in target killings or other disputes after 2011 in the province. Over 3, 470 people were injured in terror or sectarian related incidents during this period. SFs, with help of intelligence agencies and operators of newly established IFC recovered over 498 dead bodies of Baloch during this period in the province which already lags behind other provinces in terms of over nine key social indicators.

Around 159 dead bodies of Pashtuns were recovered from various parts of the province while SFs could not identify 175 bullet-ridden corpses as their faces were completely burnt and spoiled. The Police also recovered around 108 dead bodies of other people where some of them were identified as Afghan refugees and Punjabis. The report also revealed that Kalat was the second largest District after Quetta where 268 dead bodies were recovered by law enforcing agencies. After Quetta and Kalat, over 171 dead bodies were recovered in this District by the Police. In terms of worst rights violence, 2011 witnessed recovery of 203 dead bodies, 129 in 2015, 165 in 2014, 168 in 2013, 166 in 2012, 102 in 2010 and 17 bullet-ridden bodies were recovered this year (2016). Official data further revealed that over 2,654 intelligence based operations were conducted by the law enforcement agencies soon after the Army Public School massacre in December 2016.

The FC arrested four suspects with weapons and narcotics in Kharotabad and Killi Bangulzai areas of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The team recovered two SMGs and two pistols from their possession.

Another team of FC raided a place in Zhob District and took two suspects into custody for possessing narcotics.

Police arrested three suspects and seized weapons from their possession in Pasni, coastal area of Gwadar District. Police recovered weapons and other items which include two Kalashnikovs, repeating rifles, other rifles, satellite phone, laptop, bullets and two vehicles.

At least one person was killed while five others were injured in a bomb blast at Sariab road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. According to the BDS, the bomb was detonated through a remote-controlled device. Over two kilogramme of explosive material was used in the explosive, the BDS added. Sources said that a rickshaw driver who sustained injuries during the blast succumbed to his wounds during treatment at a hospital.

A tribal elder, Mir Bashir Ahmed Bizenjo, was shot dead in Hub town of Lasbela District. Unidentified assailants barged into the house of Mr Bizenjo near Asad Chowk and opened fire on him. He suffered multiple bullet injuries and died while being taken to hospital. He was cousin of former Balochistan Assembly deputy speaker Mir Abdul Qadoos Bizenjo and brother of Awaran District Council Chairman Naseer Ahmed Bizenjo.

Two bullet-riddled dead bodies, identified as that of Mohammad Naveed (28) and Mohammad Latif (42), were found in the Sharak area of Kech District.

Two Hazara Shias, identified as Ghulam Nabi and Mohammad Nabi, were killed in a targeted attack near the Government Boys Degree College while they on their way home on Sariab Road of provincial capital Quetta. "Gunmen on a motorcycle stopped the rickshaw and then opened fire on them and fled the scene," Abdullah Jan Afridi, a senior police officer said. Both the victims were labourers in a coalmine.

JuA, the breakaway faction of TTP claimed responsibility for the killing. "The TTP-JuA members fired at two Shias," said spokesperson, Ehsanullah Ehsan.

Three suspected militants were killed in an exchange of fire with FC personnel during a search operation in Hoshab area of Kech District. The FC personnel destroyed four hideouts of the militants after seizing a huge quantity of arms and ammunition, said FC spokesman Khan Wasey. The weapons seized from the hideouts included four rifles, two sub-machineguns, three shotguns and thousands of rounds. Anti-state literatures were also found in the hideouts.

Five persons, including three SF personnel, were injured in a remote controlled IED blast that hit their vehicle on Spiny Road in provincial capital Quetta.

Provincial Home Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti during a press conference in Quetta said that the Security Forces arrested six militants believed to be involved in two bomb blasts. He said that the arrests were made during raids jointly conducted by police and personnel of intelligence agencies at two places in the Eastern Bypass and Killi Shabo areas of Quetta. Mr Bugti said the arrested militants belonged to the UBA and added, "They carried out a bomb blast in a bus carrying people of the Sariab area a few months ago, killing 11 people. "Besides, they exploded a bomb fitted to a cycle at Almo Chowk two months ago that left five people dead. They were also involved in other subversive activities."

At least 74 persons were killed and over 100 others wounded in a suicide bombing at the emergency ward of Quetta's Civil Hospital, where scores of people had gathered to mourn the death of BBA President Bilal Anwar Kasi in a gun attack earlier in the day. Law enforcement officials said that the two attacks were connected and the blast was carried out by a suicide bomber. They said that the body of Kasi, who was shot dead by two armed assailants, was brought to the Civil Hospital and a number of his friends, colleagues and relatives as well as a posse of press photographers and television cameramen also reached there as soon as they got the news. The 55 slain lawyers include BBA's former President Baz Muhammad Kakar; former Supreme Court Bar Association Vice-President Syed Qahir Shah; Advocate Sangat Jamaldani, son of Jahanzeb Jamaldani, Secretary General, BNP-M; and Advocate Dawood Kasi, son of Former Federal Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Kasi. Two cameramen - Shahzad Khan and Mehmood Khan- working for Aaj TV and Dawn, respectively, were also killed.

The JuA, a splinter group of the TTP, claimed responsibility for the targeted killing of Advocate Kasi and the subsequent blast. JuA 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan vowed more attacks "until the imposition of an Islamic system in Pakistan". The IS group also claimed responsibility for the suicide attack, Reuters quoted the IS's Amaq news agency as saying. "A martyr from the Islamic State detonated his explosive belt at a gathering of justice ministry employees and Pakistani policemen in...Quetta," the Amaq report said released from Cairo, Egypt.

Following the blast, the CoAS General Raheel Sharif chaired a high-level security meeting and ordered the intelligence agencies to initiate special combing operations to target those involved in terror attacks, said a tweet by ISPR spokesperson. The Army Chief chaired the meeting, with the Balochistan Chief Minister, Provincial Chief Secretary and Commander Southern Command in attendance. ISPR quoted the Army Chief as saying that after their defeat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, terrorists are shifting their focus to Balochistan. The attack is an attempt to undermine the improved security situation of Balochistan, and the effort is specially targeting the CPEC, he said. All resources will be employed to control the situation.

The FC arrested an alleged militant and his facilitators from Kalat and Killa Abdullah Districts of Balochistan in search operations. According to reports, the FC personnel, acting on a tip, carried out a search operation in Juhan area of Kalat District and apprehended two facilitators of a militant. Meanwhile, the militant was also arrested from Gulistan area of Killa Abdulla District in another operation.

SFs launched a combing operation in Quetta against banned organisations suspected of involvement in terrorist attacks. According to official sources, the operation was carried out in different areas of the provincial capital on the directives of the Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif. Around 500 personnel of the Frontier Corps, over 250 Police personnel and officials of intelligence agencies took part in the crackdown.

Fourteen people were injured in a roadside blast targeting a vehicle belonging to the ATF accompanying Justice Zahoor Shahwani's vehicle on Zarghon Road of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Justice Zahoor Shahwani is judge of the Federal Shariat Court. The bomb was planted along the side of the road and exploded as the ATF's vehicle passed by. According to rescue officials, 10 civilians and four security officials were injured in the blast.

Four suspected militants were killed in a shootout with SFs in the Kahan area of Kohlu District in Balochistan. The FC action in Kohlu was part of a combing operation in Quetta and other areas of the province launched on the directives of Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif.

Levies recovered four bullet-riddled dead bodies from Nimargh area of Kalat District in Balochistan. All the victims had received bullet injuries.

Security Forces claimed to have arrested 27 militants, including nine foreigners, during a combing operation in the Kanak area of Mastung District. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from their possession.

SFs killed three suspected militants in an exchange of fire during a search operation jointly launched by Police, Frontier Corps and Intelligence Agency in Tartej area of Awaran District in Balochistan. The militants killed were identified as Noor Bakhsh, Shah Murad and Dildar. According to an FC spokesperson, 13 suspects were arrested in the operation launched in Kharotabad area on the outskirts of Quetta and its surrounding areas. He said 24 pistols and two rifles were seized from their possession.

Unidentified militants blew up an eight-inch gas pipeline in Dera Bugti District of Balochistan, suspending gas supply from well no.7. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.