Three security personnel among 5 martyred in Noskhi blast

On Sunday, a suicide bomber using a vehicle targeted a convoy of security forces in the Noskhi district of Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of three security personnel and two civilians, as reported by the military's media wing.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that “five courageous sons of the soil achieved shahadat (martyrdom)” due to this attack.

The fallen soldiers have been named as Havildar Manzoor Ali from Nawabshah district, Havildar Ali Bilawal from Naseer Abad district, and Naik Abdul Raheem from Badin district.

Additionally, the ISPR confirmed that bus drivers Jalaluddin from Quetta and Muhammad Naeem from Kharan also lost their lives in the incident.

 The ISPR reported that during a recent sanitization operation, security forces engaged in a fierce exchange of gunfire, successfully neutralizing three terrorists. 

The military's media division emphasized that operations in the region would persist, ensuring that those responsible for this despicable act would face justice. 

"Pakistan's security forces, united with the nation, are resolute in their commitment to prevent any attempts to undermine the peace, stability, and progress of Balochistan. The sacrifices made by our courageous soldiers and dedicated civilians only strengthen our determination," the statement concluded.

State media indicated that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was behind the attack, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including three personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC), when the BLA targeted an FC convoy on a highway in Noshki district, Balochistan.

In 2024, the banned BLA has become a significant player in the wave of terrorist violence in Pakistan, with reports highlighting a rise in high-intensity attacks by outlawed groups in the province.

As reported by PTV News, security forces have secured the area, effectively blocking all escape routes for the terrorists.

Noshki's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hashim Momand reported that over 30 members of the paramilitary forces sustained injuries, according to Reuters.

Previously, Noshki Station House Officer (SHO) Zafarullah Sumalani indicated that five personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC) lost their lives, while at least 12 others were hurt in the explosion.

SHO Sumalani noted that evidence from the scene pointed to a suicide bomber who drove an explosive-laden vehicle into the FC convoy.

The injured individuals were being transported to the FC Camp and Noshki Teaching Hospital, where emergency measures were put in place, the police officer mentioned.

SHO Sumalani expressed concern that the number of casualties and injuries could increase, as many of the wounded were in critical condition.

"An act of extreme cruelty"

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders nationwide.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both denounced the explosion and expressed their condolences for the lives lost.

In their individual statements, they offered prayers for the deceased and wished for a swift recovery for the injured.

PM Shehbaz also instructed that the best possible medical care be provided to those hurt.

“Such cowardly acts will not weaken our determination to combat terrorism,” the prime minister stated.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the “blast near a bus on the Noshki-Dalbandin Highway” and expressed sorrow over the loss of five lives.

In a statement shared by his ministry on X, Naqvi extended his sympathies to the grieving families and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.

“Attacking innocent individuals is the epitome of brutality,” the interior minister remarked, adding that anti-state elements were “orchestrating a malicious plot to instigate instability” in the nation.

Reflecting Prime Minister Shehbaz's remarks, Naqvi emphasized that such cowardly actions would not diminish the nation's strong determination.

Condemning the attack, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti pledged to take decisive action against the terrorists.

“Those who disrupt the peace of Balochistan will face dire consequences,” CM Bugti stated in a press release.

“Such cowardly assaults will not shake our spirit,” he added. “Terrorists have no place in Balochistan; we will ensure peace is restored at any cost.”

CM Bugti committed to taking all necessary measures to bring those who threaten peace to justice.

“This fight will persist until every last terrorist is eradicated,” the chief minister declared, noting that the people of Balochistan owe a debt of gratitude to those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The Balochistan government also condemned the attack, as spokesperson Shahid Rind expressed in a statement.

“Attacking innocent civilians is a heinous act,” the statement read. Rind wished for a swift recovery for the injured and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

“Hostile elements are attempting to destabilize the country,” the statement continued. “Terrorism will not dampen the people's spirit.”

“We stand in solidarity with the grieving families during this difficult time,” Rind added.

Increase in Terrorism

Militants in Balochistan, who had previously engaged in a low-level insurgency, have recently escalated their attacks. The banned BLA, in particular, has adopted new strategies aimed at inflicting greater casualties and directly targeting Pakistani security forces.

Last year, the interior ministry reported a “notable increase in terrorist incidents and changing patterns of terrorism” since the Afghan Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021, particularly regarding the activities of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in KP, the Baloch nationalist insurgency in Balochistan, and ethno-nationalist violence in Sindh.

Today's incident follows the martyrdom of a police officer last night, with six others injured in an explosion near a vehicle belonging to Balochistan’s Anti-Terrorism unit.

The recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express train near Sibi in Balochistan resulted in the tragic loss of 26 hostages, including 18 security personnel. Additionally, five more security forces were killed during the subsequent operation.

In response to this incident, the military has pledged to take strong measures against terrorists and their supporters operating in Balochistan, both domestically and internationally.

According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, Pakistan is ranked second, with a 45 percent increase in fatalities from terrorist attacks over the past year, totaling 1,081 deaths.

Last month, 18 soldiers lost their lives while 23 terrorists were eliminated during various counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

A report from the Islamabad-based think tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (Picss), indicates that while February saw a slight rise in terrorist attacks, there was a significant increase in civilian casualties.