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RAWALPINDI:
Security forces have successfully ended “Operation Raddul-Fitna-1” in Balochistan, killing 216 terrorists in a series of coordinated intelligence-based operations (IBOs) targeting what the military described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
In a statement, the military’s media wing said the operations targeted terrorist groups that seek to disrupt peace and development by targeting innocent civilians, including women and children. The campaign involved swift action by the armed forces, law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
State media reported on Tuesday that Pakistan’s security forces had killed a total of 197 terrorists belonging to the banned Fitna al Hindustan group during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the province.
The federal government has designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al Hindustan and accuses India of sponsoring a proxy war through these outfits.
“On January 29, 2026, operations were initiated in Panjgur and the outskirts of Harnai district after credible and verified intelligence confirmed the presence of terrorist elements posing an imminent threat to the local public,” the ISPR statement said.
“During this phase, security forces conducted operations against identified terrorist hideouts resulting in the elimination of 41 terrorists associated with Indian proxy networks.”
The military said security forces later repelled what it described as desperate attacks by Fitna al Hindustan.
“Subsequently, aggressive and steadfast responses by the brave security forces effectively countered Fitna al Hindustan’s desperate attack to destabilize peace in Balochistan,” the statement said.
It added that a wider series of IBOs were then launched across multiple areas to dismantle terrorist sleepers through sustained combing and disinfection.
“Through careful planning, agile intelligence and seamless joint execution, Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies, supported by intelligence agencies, responded with precision and determination during Operation Raddul-Fitna-1,” the military’s media wing said.
“As a result of these well-coordinated engagements and subsequent clearance operations, 216 terrorists have been sent to hell, significantly impairing the leadership, command and control structures and operational capabilities of terrorist networks,” it added.
The military said a large stockpile of weapons, ammunition, explosives and equipment of foreign origin was found during the process. The preliminary analysis pointed to systematic external facilitation and logistical support for the extremist proxies.
“During these operations, 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, embraced shahadat while 22 brave security forces and law enforcement personnel rendered the ultimate sacrifice for the defense of Pakistan’s territorial integrity and the protection of its citizens,” ISPR said.
“Their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment reflect the highest traditions of service,” it added.
“The nation honors their sacrifice and stands in solidarity with the families of all martyrs.”
Reiterating its resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations under the government’s National Action Plan (NAP), the Pakistan Armed Forces said counter-terrorism operations will continue with “full determination until the complete elimination of terrorist threats”.
“Operation Raddul-Fitna-1 stands as a testimony to the unwavering commitment of the proud people of Pakistan and especially Balochistan to always prefer peace over violence, unity over division and development over violence,” the ISPR statement said.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the security forces and law enforcement agencies for the successful completion of Operation Raddul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan.
The president said the “timely action” of security forces had thwarted “a malicious attempt to sabotage the peace of Balochistan by Fitna-e-Hindustan”.
“Complete elimination of terrorism backed by external support remains our top priority,” President Zardari was quoted as saying in a statement from the presidency.
The president added that he was encouraged by the success of coordinated IBOs, which he said had “broken the leadership and operational capacity of terrorist networks operating with external support”.
“The nation pays tribute to the sacrifices of its martyrs and remains united in the fight against terrorism.”
In a separate statement, the prime minister praised the officers and personnel of the security forces and the leadership of the armed forces for the success of the ongoing operation against terrorist elements seeking to undermine peace in Balochistan.
He praised the professional capacity of the security forces to dismantle the terrorists’ command structure and eliminate a total of 216 terrorists during the operation.
He expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of 36 civilians, including women and children, in terrorist attacks and paid tribute to 22 security personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
He said the nation would never forget the sacrifices of its martyrs and vowed that the nefarious designs of terrorists targeting innocent citizens would continue to be thwarted.
The Prime Minister stated that by attacking innocent people, the terrorists had proved that they were enemies of Balochistan’s peace, development and prosperity. He reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism will continue until its complete eradication from the country.
“The entire nation, including myself, stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in the unwavering resolve to defend the homeland,” he said.
