ISPR says fighters linked to Fitna al Hindustan as counter-terrorism operations continue
Pakistani security forces killed eight militants during an intelligence-based operation in Kalat district of Balochistan on December 24, the military said on Thursday.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the militants were linked to Fitna al Hindustan, a group Pakistan describes as an Indian proxy operating in the province.
The state has singled out several Balochistan-based militant groups like Fitna al Hindustan to highlight what it says is India’s role in terrorism and destabilization in Pakistan.
The ISPR said the operation involved a heavy exchange of fire after the security forces identified the location of the militants. All eight were killed during the engagement.
Weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the site. The militants are said to have been involved in several attacks in the area.
Clearing operations continued to ensure that no other militants remained in the vicinity, the statement said.
The military said the counter-terrorism campaign would continue at full pace under “Azm-e-Istehkam”, a federal initiative approved by the National Action Plan’s federal apex committee, to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism.
Read: 12 Indian-backed terrorists killed in Kalat IBO: ISPR
The latest operation follows a similar raid in Kalat on December 6, in which security forces killed 12 militants in an intelligence-based operation, according to the ISPR. Weapons and explosives were also found in this operation.
Kalat is located in central Balochistan along the mountainous belt south of Quetta. It crosses important regional routes, including the N-25 highway connecting Quetta with Karachi and Gwadar.
The district is about 140 to 160 kilometers south of Quetta by road and is at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level.
Its mountainous and semi-arid terrain, characterized by narrow valleys and plateaus, has long had complicated security operations and limited road access.
The harsh and sparsely populated landscape has historically provided hideouts for militant groups and enabled movement corridors in the region.
Read more: Forces kill four terrorists in Kalat IBO
Security forces have conducted several intelligence-based operations in Kalat and adjoining districts this year amid a persistent militant threat.
In early 2025, operations intensified across central Balochistan, including Khuzdar and Awaran districts, following an increase in attacks targeting infrastructure and security patrols.
Officials say several operations in the first quarter of the year led to arrests and recoveries of weapons linked to banned outfits.
Pakistan ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with deaths from terrorist attacks increasing by 45 percent compared to the previous year.
In October, the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies said violence rose in the third quarter of 2025 due to an increase in militant attacks and intensified counter-terrorism operations.
