Army Major Martyred, Four Militants Killed in Balochistan Operations

An army major was martyred in an improvised explosive device attack during security operations in Balochistan, while four militants were killed in a separate intelligence-based action, the military said. The operations were conducted in the Kalat and Gwadar districts as part of efforts to dismantle militant hideouts threatening nearby communities.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, security forces launched an intelligence-based operation on October 18 in the Jattakabad area of Kalat district. Troops surrounded and engaged a suspected militant position after receiving intelligence about the presence of armed fighters in the area.

Four militants were killed following an intense exchange of fire, while weapons and ammunition were recovered from the location. The military described the deceased as members of separatist groups that authorities collectively identify as Fitna al-Hindustan.

A separate series of clearance operations was carried out in the Shadi Kaur area of Pasni tehsil in Gwadar district. During one of these missions, the leading unit commanded by Major Wajahat Waheed was struck by an improvised explosive device, resulting in the officer's death.

Major Waheed was 34 years old and belonged to Lahore. The military said the operations in Shadi Kaur and Jattakabad were based on reports of multiple militant hideouts and were intended to remove threats facing residents of the surrounding areas.

Security forces said clearance activity would continue to locate any militants who might remain in the operational zones. The military linked the campaign to the broader Azm-e-Istehkam counterterrorism strategy and reiterated that security and law-enforcement institutions would continue operations against foreign-sponsored militancy.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security personnel involved in the Kalat and Gwadar operations and expressed grief over Major Waheed's death. He honoured the officer's sacrifice and extended condolences and sympathy to his family.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the forces for conducting the two operations and paid tribute to the fallen officer. He said Major Waheed had sacrificed his life while protecting the country and that the nation took pride in his service.

The two operations underline the continuing security pressure in Balochistan, where dispersed militant hideouts and roadside explosives present different operational challenges. Authorities are expected to maintain clearance and intelligence-led activity in both areas as they search for remaining suspects and attempt to prevent further attacks on security personnel and local communities.