9 police personnel martyred in terrorist attack on checkpost in Balochistan's Ziarat 

Quetta (Web Desk): At least nine police officials, including two Station House Officers (SHOs), were martyred after terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij carried out a deadly assault on a police checkpoint in Balochistan's Ziarat district on Tuesday.

According to Ziarat Deputy Commissioner Abdul Qudoos Achakzai, the incident took place in the Mangi Dam area and described it as a terrorist attack.

He said nine police personnel, among them two senior officers, lost their lives in the assault. Five policemen were still unaccounted for, prompting authorities to dispatch additional security personnel to the area. He added that a search operation had been launched to locate the missing officers.

Separately, Balochistan Chief Minister's Adviser for Media and Political Affairs Shahid Rind also confirmed the death toll and said the attack had been orchestrated by Fitna al-Khawarij, the designation used by the state for members of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Those martyred included SHO Mangi Muhammad Hussain, SHO Kawas Sohbat Khan, Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) in-charge Head Constable Saifullah and several other members of the police force.

The attack triggered an intense exchange of gunfire between security personnel and the terrorists that continued for several hours. After the operation, the bodies of the fallen officers were transferred to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Ziarat for post-mortem examinations and other legal procedures.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Dehwar said the attackers had also taken a number of local residents and police personnel hostage during the assault.

However, five of the abducted civilians later managed to escape from the militants.

Providing an update on the security response, Shahid Rind said a joint clearance operation involving the police, security forces and other law enforcement agencies had been completed in Ziarat, resulting in the killing of 15 terrorists.

He said the militants had suffered significant losses for attempting to destabilise peace in Balochistan and reaffirmed that the government would continue to confront terrorism with full determination.

The spokesperson said that the province would not become a sanctuary for terrorists and that every act of violence would receive a firm and decisive response. He also said intelligence-based operations (IBOs) would be further strengthened to eliminate militant networks.

Rind reiterated that anyone seeking to challenge the authority of the state would be brought to justice, adding that there would be no compromise on maintaining peace, stability and the safety of the people of Balochistan.

He further stated that the nine martyred policemen included SHO Mangi Muhammad Hussain, SHO Kawas Sohbat Khan, ATF in-charge Head Constable Saifullah and six other police personnel.

The spokesperson added that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ghulam Sarwar, along with eight police officials, safely reached Kach police station after navigating the rugged mountainous terrain, while Constable Rizwan was also recovered safely.

ضلع زیارت میں فتنہ الخوارج کے دہشت گردوں کے خلاف کلئرنس آپریشن مکمل کر لیا گیا، شاہد رند معاون وزیر اعلیٰ بلوچستان.

دہشت گردوں کے خلاف سیکیورٹی فورسز کا کلیئرنس آپریشن کامیابی سے مکمل، 15 دہشت گرد جہنم واصل۔ ایف سی، بلوچستان پولیس، سی ٹی ڈی، ایس او ڈبلیو اور اے ٹی ایف نے مشترکہ…

— Govt. of Balochistan (@dpr_gob) July 7, 2026

Authorities said that search operations and intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were still continuing across the area, while efforts to identify and apprehend those facilitating the terrorists had also been intensified.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have strongly denounced the terrorist attack by Fitna al-Khawarij on a police checkpoint in Ziarat, reaffirming the government's unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism.

In his statement, President Zardari paid glowing tribute to the police officers and personnel who embraced martyrdom while courageously performing their duties.

He praised their dedication and sacrifice, describing their service as a symbol of devotion to the nation.
The president stressed that every attempt to disrupt peace and stability in Balochistan would be firmly thwarted.

He reiterated that the state would persist with its anti-terrorism campaign with steadfast resolve until the menace was defeated.

Expressing sympathy over the tragic incident, President Zardari prayed for the eternal peace of the martyred personnel and wished those injured a speedy and complete recovery.

He also commended the role of the security forces and law enforcement agencies, saying their tireless efforts to maintain law and order and safeguard citizens remain a source of immense pride for the entire country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned terrorist attack by Fitna al-Khawarij on a police checkpost in Balochistan's Ziarat district, calling it a brutal act aimed at undermining peace and security.

Expressing deep respect for the police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, the prime minister paid tribute to their sacrifice.

PM Shehbaz also extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the martyred officers.

The prime minister said that the attack by Fitna al-Khawarij has once again proved that these elements are enemies of the development, peace and prosperity of the people of Balochistan.

He reaffirmed that the government would not allow any group to disturb the province’s stability or threaten public safety.

The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan’s war against terrorism would continue with full determination until every terrorist network was dismantled.

He also applauded the security forces for their successful clearance operation in which 15 terrorists were eliminated.